Sarah Lancashire's most iconic roles on television

Netflix's blockbuster spy series was a huge success in December 2024 with a star-studded cast. Sarah plays the mysterious and quietly ruthless Reed, part of a private spy network which answers to the highest bidder.

This biopic series achieved an impressive 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and saw Sarah take on the role of real-life chef Julia Child, who revolutionised American cooking.

Sarah Lancashire's role in Happy Valley is perhaps her most recognisable - and undoubtedly her most iconic - role. Her incredible performance garnered multiple awards for the portrayal of police officer Catherine Cawood in this dark and gritty crime drama.

Of course, Last Tango in Halifax is no stranger to a stellar cast member. Sarah joined the likes of Nicola Walker and Derek Jacobi as Caroline, in this BAFTA-winning comedy drama series from Sally Wainwright - who also wrote Happy Valley.

A somewhat mysterious character in this Beatles inspired film, Sarah is seen lurking in the background of many shots. But is she really a sinister presence out to expose the lead character, or is there another explanation?

This mini-series follows a young black girl called Kiri who is being adopted by a white family. Sarah stars as Miriam, who is Kiri's social worker, before the girl dies suspiciously.

Appearing in Doctor Who is a rite of passage for many actors, and who could forget Miss Foster, head of weight-loss pill brand Adipose? The fat tissue literally walks away from the bodies of anyone who takes the medication, as little creatures waiting to be adopted by alien parents. Both bizarre and memorable!

This musical, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, is based on a true story and sees Sarah star as the mum of Jamie, a teenager who dreams of becoming a drag queen and fights to wear a dress to his school prom.

This mini-series is a moving drama about disaster, and how the ripples of blame and consequence unfold in a small Welsh town. Polly plays the wife of a local counsellor who champions the building of a new factory, before it blows up with local teenagers inside...