One of this country’s favourite and most talented actresses, Alison Steadman made her professional stage debut in 1968 and went on to establish her career in Mike Leigh's 1970s TV plays Nuts in May and Abigail's Party. Since then she has continued to triumph in both serious and comedy roles, on stage, TV, film and radio. For example, you will remember her as Mrs Bennet in ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Pamela Shipman in ‘Gavin and Stacey’ and, recently, Gail Reynolds in ‘Life.’ Alison has received many awards and nominations, including the National Society of Film Critics award for best actress in ‘Life is sweet’ and the Olivier award for best actress in ‘The rise and fall of little voice’. [NB this was once in series 2, but is now the last episode of series 1. I'll spare you the reasons!]