BBC Scotland - Why I became a Clowndoctor - Carmen Pieraccini talks to Kaye Adams

Scottish actor Carmen Pieraccini is best-known for hard-hitting storylines and heartbreaking scenes in Scottish drama River City.

But the role she has found most rewarding is not as Shieldinch's Kelly-Marie Adams, but as a children's clown.

Carmen provides play therapy for Scotland's sickest children, and has been making youngsters smile for the past 12 years.

As Dr Squeegie (The Weegie), she dons a bright yellow doctor's coat before meeting children who need some light in their lives.

Carmen told Kaye Adams on her Morning programme on BBC Radio Scotland "It's not circus clowning with custard pies and juggling. This is a different type. It is amazing when you make the connections and find that joy, it can be very powerful."

She continued: "When you find that spark that makes that child really laugh, it is all about going with that,"

It also seems that clowning is reaching actors across the Atlantic with Hollywood actor David Arquette training to be a hospital clown in New York.

Read the full interview here and find out why David Arquette loves clowning.

Listen to the interview with Kaye Adams on BBC Radio Scotland. Starts at 1hr 10 mins.