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Is there an actual winner?

Yeah, there is.

Last year, Time magazine named you one of the 100 Most Influential People. You’ve got a huge social media following and you’re one of the biggest stars on the planet. Do you see yourself as a role model for young people?

You know, all I want to do is inspire young people to do what they want. To be what they want. There is no limit to what you can do, and to what you can accomplish. Sometimes (people feel limited by) age, race or gender, so for me, I think it’s important to inspire others to understand that no matter how old you are or where you’re from or whether you’re a girl or a boy that you should always, if you have a dream, strive for it and fulfil it no matter what. If that makes me a role model, sure. But I’m doing what I love, and I think everyone else deserves to do what they love to do as well.

You started acting at eight and prior to Stranger Things we’ve seen you guest-starring on shows such as Modern Family and Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. What was the movie or performance that made you want to become an actress in the first place?

Hannah Montana and Selena Gomez were always my favourites. When I was younger, they meant a lot to me. I also really liked Meryl Streep and I was a big fan of Twilight.

I’m going to put you on the spot now. If you were stuck on a desert island which album and movie would you want to keep you company?

Oasis … but, hang on, let me think of a good album from Oasis. OK, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? that album has some good bangers and if you’re going for a jog around the island you’re going to want to have a good banger. But if you’re really depressed you can put on Don’t Look Back in Anger. And for movie, I think I would take Cast Away.

We spoke to your Stranger Things co-star David Harbour last month and he described the upcoming season’s theme as the “summer of love.” What can fans expect when the third season arrives in July?

It definitely is the summer of love. It’s also full of bad, evil and strange things … It’s bigger, better and stranger. There you go.