Sarah Lancashire's off-screen life, iconic Corrie role and award success

Bafta-winning actress Sarah Lancashire has been recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours.

The actress, from Greater Manchester, has received numerous accolades over her four-decade long career, including three British Academy Television Awards and a nomination for an Olivier Award.

She been recognised for her performances in TV shows including Happy Valley and Last Tango In Halifax, following her breakthrough role as Raquel Watts in soap opera Coronation Street during the 1990s.

And now, Lancashire, 60, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to drama and described it as "an unexpected delight.”

Each year, a list of people gets compiled following recommendations from the prime minister, senior government ministers and members of the public.

Special honours are given to people who make outstanding contributions to their community and the country, with the New Year Honours acknowledging more than 1,200 people in the UK this year.

Lancashire was born in Oldham in 1964 and grew up with her parents and three brothers, including a twin. Her dad Geoffrey was a TV scriptwriter for Coronation Street and her mum, Hilda, worked as his personal assistant.

The star attended Oldham Hulme Grammar School and then studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before taking on minor roles in television and theatre - working as a drama tutor at the University of Salford to supplement her income.

Her breakout role was barmaid Raquel in Coronation Street for five years until 1996, appearing in more than 260 episodes. At one point, she was the highest-paid TV actress in the UK after singing a golden-handcuff deal with ITV.

After leaving the cobbles, Lancashire earned a name for her TV drama work