English actress, born in Peterlee, County Durham, and raised in Essington and Sunderland, England. She is a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. She began her acting career on television and has participated in many small roles since 1988. She is known for presenting a number of artistic works, such as Atonement (2007) and In the Loop (2009). She also previously won the British Academy Television Award in the category of Best Actress.