Patricia Shakesby facts for kids

Patricia Shakesby, born on November 6, 1942, is an English actress and writer. She is well-known for playing Polly Urquhart in the TV show Howards' Way. She was also one of the first actors in the famous TV series Coronation Street. In that show, she played Susan Cunningham, who was the first girlfriend of the character Ken Barlow.

Early Life and First Roles

Patricia Shakesby was born in Cottingham, a town in East Riding of Yorkshire, England. She started her television career when she was 18 years old. Her first TV appearance was on December 9, 1960, in Coronation Street.

Playing Susan Cunningham

In Coronation Street, Shakesby played Susan Cunningham for 12 episodes. Susan was the girlfriend of Ken Barlow, played by William Roache. In the very first episode of the show, Ken wanted to take Susan to the Imperial Hotel. However, Ken's father, Frank, did not allow it. This was because Ken's mother, Ida, worked as a cleaner in the hotel's kitchens. Frank did not like the idea of Ken spending money where his mother worked hard.

Later Television and Stage Work

Patricia Shakesby appeared in many other television shows throughout her career. In 1972, she acted alongside Anthony Hopkins in the TV series War and Peace. She played the character Vera Rostova in that show.

Role in Howards' Way

From 1985 to 1990, Patricia Shakesby was a regular on the BBC television series Howards' Way. She played the character Polly Urquhart for six seasons. This role became one of her most famous.

Other TV Appearances

Her other TV roles include shows like Hancock's Half Hour, Dixon of Dock Green, and Z-Cars. She also appeared in On the Buses, The Liver Birds, and Yes Minister.

Stage Performances and Writing

On stage, Patricia Shakesby performed with famous actors like Ronnie Barker. She acted in a play called The Real Inspector Hound in the 1970s. She also performed in several plays for the Royal Shakespeare Company. These performances took place in Stratford-upon-Avon and London. Patricia Shakesby also wrote a play herself. It was called The Lady of the Abbey. This play was based on the life of the wife of Robert Fitzhamon, who founded Tewkesbury Abbey.

Personal Life

Patricia Shakesby married Alan Purkiss in 1997. Alan Purkiss was the chairman of the Tewkesbury Civic Society. The couple lives in Mill Bank, a part of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

Film Roles

Patricia Shakesby also acted in a few films:

• She Knows Y'Know (1962)
• He Who Rides a Tiger (1965)

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