Introduction to Sarah Lancashire’s Award-Winning Performance

The actress Sarah Lancashire, known for her iconic role as Raquel Wolstenhulme in Coronation Street, has revealed that her award-winning performance in the TV drama Happy Valley was "born out of fear". Lancashire, who is 60 years old, won two leading actor BAFTAs for her portrayal of Sergeant Catherine Cawood in the BBC series.

Her Decades-Long Collaboration with Sally Wainwright

Lancashire’s performance was influenced by her long-standing and "brilliant and intangible" working relationship with writer Sally Wainwright. The two have collaborated on several projects, including Coronation Street, where they first met, and the BBC comedy-drama Last Tango in Halifax, for which Lancashire won her first BAFTA in 2014.

The Role that Brought Her Fear and Success

When discussing her role in Happy Valley, Lancashire admitted that fear played a significant part in her performance. She described it as "a leap of faith" and described the experience as "literally jumping off a cliff in the dark at midnight". However, she also acknowledged that having someone like Wainwright, who has confidence and belief in her, made all the difference.

Overcoming Challenges and Limited Research

Lancashire revealed that what made playing Sergeant Cawood so terrifying was the lack of knowledge she had about the character and the limited research time available. However, Wainwright’s approach to the drama, which focused on the family aspect rather than the police procedural, helped Lancashire to overcome her fears and deliver a remarkable performance.

A Career Spanning Decades

Lancashire’s career in television spans several decades, with notable roles in Coronation Street, where she appeared in over 260 episodes from 1991 to 1996. Her collaboration with Wainwright has been a significant factor in her success, and their partnership has resulted in some of the most memorable performances in British television.

Recognition and Accolades

Lancashire’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including two BAFTAs for her leading roles. She was also officially made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) at Windsor Castle, a testament to her contributions to the world of entertainment. Her unique approach to her craft, which involves embracing fear and uncertainty, has made her one of the most respected and beloved actresses in the industry.