TV & Showbiz

Sarah Lancashire’s accent at the NTAs has baffled fans as Happy Valley shines

Not a trace of Oldham left in that accent.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 6th September 2023

Happy Valley had a phenomenal night at the National Television Awards last night, scooping three awards – but it’s Sarah Lancashire’s accent that’s had the internet talking overnight.

The star, who is originally from Oldham, is perhaps best-known for her portrayal of Catherine Cawood in Happy Valley, as well as for her time as barmaid Raquel Wolstenhulme at the Rover’s Return on Coronation Street.

In Happy Valley, she sports a strong – and very authentic – Yorkshire accent, fitting with the setting around the Calder Valley.

So when Sarah Lancashire went to collect her various awards at the NTAs last night (Returning Drama, Drama Performance, and the Special Recognition Award), audiences were shocked to hear that her accent isn’t very northern at all.

In fact, fans have gone so far as to say she is ‘posh’, and that her real accent sounds ‘jarring’ compared to the Yorkshire tones we’ve all got used to in recent years.

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The 58-year-old took to the stage last night, wiping away tears, to tell the crowd (who were chanting her name): “You have no idea what it’s like to have so many lovely things said about you by so many people that you love and admire.”

Sarah added: “I have been so very fortunate to spend my working life doing a job that I love, made possible by brilliantly talented people – producers, directors, writers, actors – and I am exceptionally lucky to have enjoyed every moment of it.”

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Sarah Lancashire in Happy Valley as fans are stunned by her 'real accent' at the NTAs
Sarah Lancashire in Happy Valley as fans are stunned by her ‘real accent’ at the NTAs. Credit: ITV

Many have been sad to hear that her years of theatre training seem to have dulled down her native Oldham accent, with most surprised that she doesn’t ‘sound Northern’.

Which makes her performance in Happy Valley, where she chats away about brews and stews and swear like a true Yorkshireman, all the more impressive.

One person said: “Sarah Lancashire is that good an actress that it’s a shock when she doesn’t speak in a Yorkshire accent.”

Someone else posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Sarah Lancashire speaking that posh just took me by surprise!! Her Yorkshire accent is spot on in happy valley!”

The National Television Awards 2023 (NTAs) winners in full

  • Special Recognition Award – Sarah Lancashire
  • Serial Drama – Eastenders
  • Talent Show – Strictly Come Dancing
  • New Drama – Wednesday
  • Reality Competition – The Traitors
  • Authored Documentary – Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now
  • Returning Drama – Happy Valley
  • TV Presenter – Ant & Dec
  • Factual – Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs
  • Drama Performance – Sarah Lancashire
  • The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award – Gogglebox
  • TV Interview – The Graham Norton Show
  • Serial Drama Performance – Danielle Harold
  • Quiz Game Show – The 1% Club
  • Rising Star – Bobby Brazier
  • Daytime – The Repair Shop
  • Comedy – Young Sheldon

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TV & Showbiz

Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Peter Kay statement after Co-op Live gigs cancelled for the second time

Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.

The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.

He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.

Co-op Live has also postponed The Black Keys, who were set to perform on Saturday.

Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.

He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”

He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”

The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.

Can always count on a comic to make the joke everyone else is thinking.

The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.

“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).

“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.

“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.

“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”

Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”

They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.

Touch wood.

This could back to bite them. It already has once before.

“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.

“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.

“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.

“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.

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“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”

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Featured Images — Press Images/The Manc Group

TV & Showbiz

Paddy McGuinness admits he thinks Bolton is ‘still in Lancashire’ not Greater Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Paddy McGuinness has admitted that he believes “Bolton still falls under Lancashire” and not Greater Manchester.

The famous comedian and TV presenter – who was born and raised in Farnworth in 1973, back when it genuinely was still categorised as Lancashire – made the somewhat controversial declaration to his millions of followers on Instagram this week as he shared some pictures of himself that are currently featuring as part of a photography exhibition.

McGuinness is one of dozens of local famous faces forming part of the ‘Greater Mancunians’ project by The Manchester College.

150 students have participated in the landmark photography project – which is currently on display down at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall – and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.

Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr, Ricky Hatton, Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Maxine Peake, Jonathan Warburton, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE are among the 100 contributors featured in the project, alongside McGuinness.

The 50-year-old, who is most well-known for his acting and presenting roles in Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere, Take Me Out, and Top Gear, says it was “a real honour” to be featured in the exhibition.

McGuinness wrote on Instagram: “It was a real honour to take part in the Greater Mancunians project with the students at The Manchester College. The exhibition is full of people from music, comedy, politics, poetry, television, medicine and beyond.”

He then said it’s “well worth popping in if you’re in town”, before dropping the final Bolton-related bombshell: “PS, I’m still saying Bolton falls under Lancashire.”

In case you’re unfamiliar with the borough’s history, Bolton was considered to be a part of Lancashire until Greater Manchester was formally established all the way back on 1 April 1974 – but still to this day, the town is located within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire.

Paddy McGuinness admits he thinks Bolton is ‘still in Lancashire’, not Greater Manchester (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

After making the bold claim about Bolton’s geographical location, McGuinness has been met with praise and has received hundreds of comments from other Bolton and wider Greater Manchester residents agreeing with him and sharing their similar opinions under the post.

“I think they should redefine Lancashire back to its old borders, it would bring unity to the area and create a northern powerhouse,” one person commented.

Another fan wrote: “Bolton will always be in Lancashire for me”, while a third commented: “ALWAYS Lancashire. Can’t move land boundaries, they’re not pieces of paper,” a fourth shared a similar sentiment: “They can tell us we’re Greater Manchester, but I know Im a Lancashire lass,” and a fifth added: “Lancashire all the way lad.”

“BOLTON WILL ALWAYS BE LANCASHIRE,” another clearly strong-viewed comment reads.

Read more:

It’s always very ‘Stockport is Cheshire‘, isn’t it?

What’s your take then? Do you think Bolton is still in Lancashire, or is it part of Greater Manchester? What about the rest of the boroughs?

We know full well we may have opened a can of worms with this one but that’s all part of the fun.

Featured Images – BBC

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