FOR most teenagers, being 16 is tumultuous. Muddling through situations with family, friends or school can easily set the raging hormones off on epic proportions – well that, and the spots, are my memories of being 16.

Fast foward 20 years and I’m interviewing Naomi Scott. She’s 16; just finished ten GCSEs; is fresh from her A Level orientation day at Davenlin Foundation school’s sixth form college; is full of confidence and enthusiasm and – as you can tell from her publicity shot – has not a spot in sight. Oh, and she has just finshed filming her part as Megan in the second series of Life Bites – a Disney Channel programme all about the everyday adventures of a brother and sister, and their relationships with family and friends.

“It’s been pretty surreal to get this amazing opportunity,” gushes Naomi. “I had four auditions. I didn’t really think I was anything special. But, now I keep seeing the trailers on the Disney Channel for Life Bites and my friends keep calling and texting me and I’ve constantly got butterflies.”

Just an ordinary girl? Naomi’s family moved to Clayhall in 2001. She says: “At the time it seemed such a big thing to move." Her mother Usha and father Chris are pastors at The Bridge Church in South Woodford.

“Family means everything to me,” says Naomi. “My parents brought me up to believe in myself and know who I am. I have a brother, Josh, who I love. I just feel really privileged. My parents do a lot of work reaching out to the community and we get involved too. I suppose this has given me the confidence and the vision to see the good in people.”

In fact, many of the scripted situations Megan has to deal with in Life Bites, Naomi says she can really relate to.

“I absolutely love my character,” enthuses Naomi. “She’s really random and funny. She’s Chloe’s, [the main character] best friend. She sees things from a different perspective, it might be a bit kooky but she’s always fair. I connected with the character when I was auditioning and I put my case on it. I didn’t think I was going to get the part as they kept calling me back for recalls and read-throughs.

“My dad came with me each time and he was really supportive at each audition. He did script practise with me, which was hilarious as he had to play the girl’s role. It almost didn’t sink in when I got the part, but I’m so grateful.

“Being myself got me the part, I guess; but I have to hand it to the script writers...they’re the reason why I love her.”

Naomi modestly puts her maturity and talent down to the support of her drama teachers – especially “Miss Hooper who directed the school play Sister Act” – as the reason for her taking the big step and trying for the Life Bites audition.

However, now filming is all over for this series she’s in a bit of a dilemma. “I love to sing,” Naomi says. “Singing or composing is something I would like to pursue in the future. I’m not comparing myself to Alicia Keys, but I like her style where she plays from the heart. But I love to act too.”

Suddenly, Naomi sounds like any other 16-year-old getting ready for the next stage of their lives.

“I’m going to focus on my A Levels now,” she says. “Although I’m not looking forward to the essay writing.”

Life Bites starts this weekend at 10.25am on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, on the Disney Channel.