Julie Hesmondhalgh to receive Lifetime Achievement award

Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh has been named the inaugural recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award at the Great British Theatres Awards. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 2.

In addition to her acting career in productions such as Coronation Street and Happy Valley, Hesmondhalgh has been recognized for her advocacy in the performing arts. She has worked to support community theatre, including efforts to prevent the closure of the Oldham Coliseum and co-founding Manchester’s Take Back Theatre Collective. Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, stated that Hesmondhalgh embodies the spirit of ensuring equitable access to theatre for all backgrounds.

Separately, Hesmondhalgh appeared on the BBC reality game show The Celebrity Traitors, where she was recently voted out by fellow contestants. The show continues to draw significant viewership as players navigate tasks and eliminations.