DEBRA! debuts on Family Channel with Niamh Wilson starring as Debra Delong, a bright, peppy and uniquely quirky girl whose main goal is to make the world a better place. Along with her friends at Canfield High, Debra frequently stirs up playful misadventures, with her guiding hand steering the chaos. A recent chat with Niamh Wilson touched on the new role, Debra’s fashion sensibilities, love of horror cinema, and a playful nod to Orlando Bloom.
Debra is a wonderfully positive and eccentric presence. Her aim is to lift others and contribute to a world that feels happier. She chats with strangers, offering a friendly hello and a moment of sunshine. The show leaves it open why she is so relentlessly upbeat, simply who she is.
On set and in the development of Debra, other outlandish characters helped shape the portrayal. Niamh recalls her mother comparing Debra to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a character she admired growing up for her quick wit and infectious energy. Over time the portrayal emphasized Debra’s hyper and peppy nature.
Filming days can be long. After the shoot, the cast often feels worn, but lunch provides a welcome reset and a quick energy boost.
Throughout the episodes, Debra lends a hand to friends in need. The ensemble includes Austin, Auzzie, Brud, and Dancy, among others who appear as the stories unfold. Debra tends to try to bring out Auzzie’s charm, a plan that backfires and steers him back toward his original self.
Fans will notice shared traits. Niamh sees positives in people and tends to notice their strengths, much like Debra. The two also share a nerdy streak, with Niamh wearing her own prescription glasses on set. They come from different corners of life but share a similar curious vibe.
Previously, Niamh tackled eerie horror roles, such as a haunting dead girl and a victim in the SAW franchise. Shifting to a bright lead on a Family Channel program thrills her. As a kid she dreamed of growing up on screen in teen roles, and this part aligns with that dream. The DEBRA set is known for its warmth, and the cast keeps things lively, balancing dark moments with light-hearted humor.
Growing up, Niamh did not plot a long list of future ambitions. One enduring wish was to meet her idol Orlando Bloom, a dream sparked after watching Pirates of the Caribbean. Acting came early and opened the door for other dreams, including a desire to dance and become a graceful ballerina.
The on-screen rival Dancy, played by Alicia Josipovic, is a kind and professional actor. On set the dynamic is friendly, and Josipovic is also known for work on Degrassi. A teacher from Niamh’s improv classes also appears on Degrassi, creating a small cross-show connection that fans might notice.
On-set life is filled with laughter and a large group of moms who often watch from the monitors. They’re affectionately known as the group of moms or Steve’s Girls, a playful nod to Steve, the sound technician. The crew and cast share numerous moments of humor and warmth that keep the energy high.
Off set, Niamh enjoys a mix of cooking and music programming. The family tunes into the Food Network, with favorites like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and cake competition shows such as Ace of Cakes and Cake Boss. She also keeps up with Degrassi and is a devoted fan of Glee.
Many performers would be welcomed on DEBRA. Niamh would love to see Tavi Gevinson bring a fashion-forward edge to the show. She also admires Ellen Page and Rachel McAdams for their humor and charm, along with Kerry Mulligan and Ricky Gervais for their dynamic presence.
A standout episode features a fashion show, while Preston’s birthday in a prior episode brings a big party and dancing. In the season finale, a concert scene has the whole cast dancing and celebrating, a highlight for the crew and viewers alike.
DEBRA! is a family-friendly program that resonates beyond kids. Parents will appreciate the warmth and energy, and the show stands out within Family Channel’s lineup as a refreshing departure from the usual fare.
The premiere for DEBRA! is set for Family Channel at 4 p.m., inviting families to join Debra and her friends on a bright, upbeat journey.