Sarah Lancashire

In 1981, began to suffer from clinical depression. From 1986, due to a scarcity of acting roles, supported herself financially by working as a drama teacher at Salford University for five years. Made her West End debut in 1990 in Blood Brothers. Daughter of television scriptwriter, Geoffrey Lancashire, who notably worked on ITV soap Coronation Street; she joined the show in 1991 as popular recurring character, Raquel Watts. Signed an exclusive deal with ITV, worth 1.3 million; making her Britain's highest-paid actress. In 1993, experienced a nervous breakdown, confiding only in her family, and did not take time off work until her mother forced her to seek medical help. Has stated that remaining single for five years, attending therapy sessions and taking antidepressants helped her overcome her illness. Played Adelaide in Guys and Dolls in the West End in 2005. As actress and director, is known for Happy Valley (2014). Was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to Drama.