Tees Life Tees Life Issue 8 | Page 12

F E AT U R E Proud Teessider – “I love our Middlesbrough accent,” says Preeti, who grew up in Coulby Newham. “I started working as soon as I arrived and it was constant. But by 2015 I had the seven-year itch. My agent in LA said it would be good for me to be there and I thought, ‘Why not?’ I believe that if the universe is pushing you in a certain direction, you should just go for it.” She has recently been busy shooting Netflix miniseries Gods and Secrets as well as feature films The Bachelor Next Door, The Work Wife and Expectant Mother. “I’ve no idea when they’re coming out,” she says. “You finish shooting and move on to your next project. “Living in LA’s lovely – you can’t beat the sunshine. I go on amazing hiking trails, the beach and mountains are just around the corner. “If I’m not making films, a lot of my work is commercials and product endorsements, which is a lot of fun. “It’s a very healthy city, you meet friends and have a shot of green energy drink. I spent the summer in New York and everyone’s in the pub, it’s more like being back in England!” She is currently single and says: “I’ve been in long relationships ever since I was 17 and this is the first time I’ve been able to do my own thing – and I’m loving it.” Her family run G2 fireworks in Borough Road, Middlesbrough, and no matter where she is in the world, Preeti is expected to fly back to help out during busy periods. 12 Media star – Preeti Desai has starred in a number of movies and has also featured in several national glamour mags including GQ and Cosmopolitan.