Lorraine Cheshire

Lorraine Cheshire, born on August 15, 1960, is a celebrated English actress recognized for her diverse roles in television. She gained prominence through her portrayal of Sue Benson in the Sky sitcom *Trollied*, Fleur Budgen in the BBC One educational drama *Waterloo Road*, and Lorraine Bird in Channel 4's *Ackley Bridge*.

Cheshire's acting journey commenced later in life, at the age of 35, following her husband's redundancy from the Army. She honed her craft at the Arden Drama School in Manchester and became a member of the Manchester Actors Company. Her professional debut arrived with a role in the BBC series *Cranford*, where she played Jo Warren. This initial success led to appearances in various series, including *Clocking Off*, *Having It Off*, and *Holby City*.

In 2003, Cheshire landed her first significant role as Joan Bell in the BBC comedy *Early Doors*, which marked a turning point in her career. From 2007 to 2012, she captivated audiences as Fleur Budgen on *Waterloo Road*. In 2008, she was featured in the BBC Three series *Massive* as Lorraine Finnegan.

Cheshire's versatility extended to guest roles in popular dramas, including *Casualty* (2011, 2015) and a significant stint on *Doctors* in 2013. Her role as Geraldine in *In the Club* from 2014 to 2016 further showcased her talent. In 2017, she embraced the character of Lorraine Bird in *Ackley Bridge*, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in British television.