Born in 1958 in Liverpool, she is a British actress and comedian renowned for her gritty performances. She gained acclaim for her role in the 1994 film "Ladybird, Ladybird," which earned her a Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival. Known for her comedic talent, she also starred in the TV series "Benidorm" as Janey York. Beyond acting, she has appeared in reality TV shows and is a published author, sharing her life experiences through her autobiography.