Sally Lindsay: MBE for Working-Class Stories

Former Coronation Street actress Sally Lindsay was recently honored with an MBE for her significant contributions to drama. The 52-year-old star, known for her role as Shelley Unwin, received the recognition at Windsor Castle.

Lindsay highlighted that only a small percentage of individuals in the industry come from working-class backgrounds. She stressed the importance of telling these stories, suggesting that their diversity and unique experiences offer considerable economic potential for the country. Lindsay called upon television companies and authorities to actively create more opportunities for working-class creatives.

She also spoke about the importance of representation for women, particularly those over 50, emphasizing that their experiences provide rich material for television. This focus on representation aligns with her work on "The Madame Blanc Mysteries," a project she aimed to make women-led. Lindsay feels she represents the 50-year-old Northern woman on screen.

Separately, Marlie Packer, a flanker for the English Rugby Union and a double World Cup winner, was also awarded an OBE for her services to rugby union football. Packer is set to play her final game for her club, Saracens, during the upcoming Premiership Women's Rugby season final.