In Happy Valley, a gripping police drama set in West Yorkshire created by Sally Wainwright, there’s a moment where Catherine Cawood, played by Sarah Lancashire (a police sergeant), and her sister Clare (Siobhan Finneran, recovering from addiction) are seated on the back steps of their shared terraced house, each with a steaming cup of tea, engaging in conversation.
This moment is truly delightful: the easy camaraderie between the two ladies, and the peaceful ambiance that emanates from this simple routine. Could we possibly infuse some of that charm into our interview with Finneran? She’s an actress, so it’s conceivable she might be a demanding, snobbish celebrity in reality. However, her characters in popular performances are often warm and relatable, even those in smaller roles like the compassionate chaplain in Jimmy McGovern’s Time prison series – these roles leave a lasting impression of kindness.
Contrary to what one might think, things are quite the opposite. Let’s dive into discussing her new ITV drama, Protection, with a cheerful vibe that we’ll maintain till the end. I encountered some minor technical difficulties with the Zoom camera, but she was incredibly patient and understanding. Maybe it’s because of our age difference – she’s 59 and I’m a bit older. She jokingly mentioned, “I can’t use my laptop, so I always enjoy seeing someone else seem to be having trouble.” As the camera pans to my background, she comments, “Wow, that’s your kitchen? It looks stunning.” Interestingly, she is currently in the living room of her partner, Don Gilet from Death in Paradise.
I’ve had the pleasure of working on several projects alongside Wainwright and producer Nicola Shindler before. One memory that stands out was when I first read the opening scene featuring Sarah in the playground. She was reacting to a man who was precariously positioned on a swing, slide, or similar equipment, threatening to ignite himself. After she left him, went into a shop, bought some cheap sunglasses, and returned, just from that scene I was instantly captivated, thinking to myself, “This is simply brilliant!
The following day, she contacted her agent, expressing that she was eagerly anticipating Catherine Cawood’s upcoming journey, as one feels a natural affinity for this woman due to her humor and handling of situations. It’s like purchasing a ticket for an exciting ride and hopping aboard the bus – you’re ready and excited to be a part of whatever lies ahead with her.
In her fresh series titled Protection, she explores the lives of undercover witness protection officers who work within a unique police division, isolated from other departments to ensure information leaks don’t compromise witness safety. The narrative starts with Detective Inspector Liz Nyles appearing to have inadvertently breached trust in a way that could potentially be fatal, as shown in the first episode within the first ten minutes.
Nyles portrays strong, resilient women exceptionally well – characters who are often struggling yet determined, such as a single mother of a teenager, with a demanding career, originating from a law enforcement family, and caring for an unwell father. Through thick and thin, she has shown remarkable fortitude.
Currently, the situation is deteriorating due to an unexpected turn of events. She has been involved in a clandestine relationship with a junior coworker who is married, potentially undermining the integrity of her team, and everything seems to be collapsing as a result.
Does she sometimes crave a break from heavy dramas during periods of excessive viewing, longing instead for something more lighthearted, comedic, or romantic?
Instead of pondering, “I don’t want to take on another character dealing with constant anguish and trauma again – I’ve already handled enough,” I found myself yearning for a role where the character is enjoying life to its fullest. Fortunately, after wrapping up Protection, I was quite fortunate.
I recently watched the second season of Alma’s Not Normal, which felt like a wonderful comfort to me.” When she learns that I haven’t seen Sophie Willan’s comedy series, she warmly suggests, “Could you please give it a try? It’s one of the most beautiful TV shows around.” (After watching it, I must say it was hilarious, touching, and oddly endearing, with her portraying Alma’s struggling drug-addict mother, Lin, as the ‘Iggy Pop of the Psych Ward’).
I mention my love of the sitcom Benidorm – in which she starred for six of its 10 series.
The Solana resort-based show garnered immense love from millions, often winning the title of Best Comedy Programme at the National Television Awards. Yet, it also faced criticism from some reviewers.
For me, that role will forever hold a special place, right up until my last day. We, the original cast, would occasionally pinch ourselves in disbelief, but our bond remains strong and affectionate to this day.
Last week, she attended the stage production “Stage/Fright,” a sold-out spin-off from Steve Pemberton’s TV series Inside No 9, which he co-starred in with Reece Shearsmith. This show has ended. I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a fantastic theatre experience. It’s truly a delightful night out!
She shares a moment in the play where she became overly emotional, “chuckling uncontrollably during a particularly quiet scene, a kind of self-conscious laughter that I assumed everyone else would join in, but realized it was only me. That’s the magic of theater – when the performance captivates you so deeply, it feels like they’re performing exclusively for you.
In the year 1978, when Finneran was just twelve years old, her grandmother on her mother’s side took her to witness a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. At that time, Glenda Jackson was portraying the Egyptian queen in Antony and Cleopatra, a production masterfully directed by the renowned Peter Brook.
As for what she remembers specifically about the play, it’s quite minimal, my dear. Regrettably, I can’t recall many details. However, I do have vivid memories of taking a train ride with my grandmother to Stratford, enjoying some delicious fish and chips and cake, and attending the theater.
The single play I recall from the ’70s, but I’m unsure of its title, featured an individual appearing on stage naked. My grandmother shielded my eyes during this scene. Given the era, it’s possible that the Royal Shakespeare Company was experimenting with nudity in their productions – even staging As You Like It without clothes.
Finneran met her paternal grandmother just once, during a family trip to Ireland when her father was growing up; she passed away when Finneran was seven years old. Her mother was a primary school teacher, while her father continues to drive a taxi, having held various jobs previously. At one time, he also taught and worked for the Catholic Rescue Society in their homes for troubled boys – however, these boys weren’t inherently bad; rather, they were children who may not have had parents to care for them, and found themselves in minor predicaments.
Her most cherished childhood memories were spending time at the seashore with her aunt and uncle, who owned a caravan in Rhyl. They would frolic for hours on the sandy beaches together. “My children, Joseph (27) and Poppy (25), whom I share with my ex-husband, actor Mark Jordon, also enjoyed the beach as youngsters. We even had an exciting adventure at a festival in a camper van together, which was a blast!
Her early life wasn’t spent in Oldham as commonly thought; instead, it was in Manchester where she grew up during her formative years. Although her roots can be traced back to both the Irish and Scottish lineage, her mother hails from Salford, a city that shares borders with Manchester, and her family have long been residents of Manchester.
It wasn’t until Finneran turned six that her family relocated to picturesque Saddleworth, which lies beyond Oldham. Unfortunately, it’s known for the Moors murders, but its beauty is undeniable.
Absolutely! If I were to describe myself, I’d say I’m more of a country lass than an urbanite. Although Manchester is where I hail from, my roots run deep in the tranquil, rustic landscapes.
Is it possible for her to dance Northern Soul style? This question arises considering that she enjoys attending live concerts, and recently went to see Thee Sacred Souls in February, a band she discovered on the radio that has a hint of the classic Northern Soul rhythm.
Let’s see if we can spare a bit more time.”
“No problem at all, dear. I just need to take breaks for this [vaping] occasionally.”
By the way, were you a heavy smoker previously? If yes, how many cigarettes did you smoke per day? “Quite a few. I used to smoke as many as I could with licorice papers rolled into little cigarettes.
In a casual yet engaging manner, you might say: “By the way, does she ever indulge in any offbeat or intriguing pastimes? Well, let me tell you, I’m not exactly bursting with excitement! If only I could claim that I knit characters from video games, but alas, my life isn’t quite that adventurous. However, my mom got me some Lego for Christmas, and it has genuinely brought joy to my day! You can even create beautiful bouquets of flowers with it now!
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2025-03-11 03:35