Last updated on the 22 March 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 10 October 1964, Oldham, Lancashire, England. 

Sarah Lancashire grew up in a creative household. Her father, Geoffrey Lancashire, was a television scriptwriter known for his work on Coronation Street. This environment sparked her initial interest in the arts, though she initially considered working behind the scenes. She attended Oldham Hulme Grammar School and later pursued her passion for acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 1986. Her time at drama school was both challenging and transformative, solidifying her commitment to the craft.

Sarah Lancashire’s career began in local theatre, but she soon transitioned to television, where she gained widespread recognition. Her breakout role came as Raquel Wolstenhulme in the iconic British soap opera Coronation Street, a character she portrayed from 1991 to 1996. This role established her as a household name and showcased her talent for blending humour and depth. Over the years, she has taken on a variety of roles in acclaimed series such as Where the Heart Is, Clocking Off, and Last Tango in Halifax. More recently, her portrayal of Catherine Cawood in the gripping drama Happy Valley earned her critical acclaim and multiple awards. Lancashire has also appeared in films like And When Did You Last See Your Father? and Dad’s Army, as well as West End productions, including Blood Brothers, and Guys and Dolls.

In her personal life, Sarah Lancashire is known for her privacy. She has been married to television producer Peter Salmon since 2001 and has three children. Despite her fame, she values her family life and often speaks about the importance of maintaining a balance between her career and home. Her journey reflects resilience, versatility and a deep commitment to her craft.

WINNER | Television: Supporting Actress for Last Tango In Halifax (2014) | Television: Leading Actress for Happy Valley (2017)

Suggested viewing

Happy Valley (2014)

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.5

In the gritty Yorkshire Dales, Sergeant Catherine Cawood is a tough, no-nonsense police officer grappling with personal demons and a relentless pursuit of justice. When a young girl goes missing, Cawood’s world is turned upside down, forcing her to confront the dark underbelly of her community and the long-buried secrets of her past.

Top cast: Sarah Lancashire, Steve Pemberton, Siobhan Finneran, James Norton, Joe Armstrong, Adam Long, George Costigan, Karl Davies.

The Paradise (2012)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.7

In the bustling Victorian era, Denise Lovett, a young woman from the countryside, finds employment at The Paradise, a glamorous department store in Northern England. As she navigates the world of fashion, commerce, and social class, Denise’s ambition and independent spirit clash with the rigid hierarchies of the time, setting her on a path towards self-discovery and a place in the modern world.

Top cast: Emun Elliott, Joanna Vanderham, Elaine Cassidy, Sarah Lancashire, Matthew McNulty, David Hayman, Peter Wight, Sonya Cassidy.

Last Tango in Halifax (2012)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4

Years after their teenage romance was cut short, Celia Dawson and Alan Buttershaw, two widowed septuagenarians, are reunited through Facebook. Despite societal disapproval and personal doubts, they rekindle their long-lost connection, embarking on a journey of love, laughter and life-affirming experiences in their golden years.

Top cast: Derek Jacobi, Anne Reid, Sarah Lancashire, Nicola Walker, Tony Gardner, Ronni Ancona, Dean Andrews, Nina Sosanya.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (2021)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.5

In the heart of Sheffield, England, sixteen-year-old Jamie New dreams of becoming a drag queen, defying societal norms and pursuing his true identity. With the support of his loving mother, supportive friends, and a touch of sparkle, Jamie overcomes prejudice and bullying to embrace his unique self, becoming the sensation he was destined to be.

Top cast: Max Harwood, Sarah Lancashire, Lauren Patel, Shobna Gulati, Ralph Ineson, Adeel Akhtar, Samuel Bottomley, Sharon Horgan.

Rose and Maloney (2002)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6

In the gritty world of criminal justice, Rose Linden and Marion Maloney, a mismatched duo of investigators from the Criminal Justice Review Agency, tackle the delicate cases of potential miscarriages of justice. Their relentless pursuit of truth often leads them down murky paths, challenging official narratives and uncovering hidden truths that could shatter lives and change the course of justice.

Top cast: Sarah Lancashire, Phil Davis, Nisha Nayar, Susan Brown, David Westhead, Stuart Evans, Elle Lewis, Martin Malone.

Sarah Lancashire full filmography @ Wikipedia