Former Coronation Street star Sarah Lancashire is to star in a new comedy drama entitled Life Begins, described as being Cold Feet for 40-somethings. A pilot episode has already been written and six programmes are in the pipeline. ITV1’s most bankable star, 36-year-old Sarah rose to prominence playing barmaid Raquel in the popular TV soap and is now signed to a £1.3 million contract with the channel. The new programme, which was created by Cold Feet writer Mike Bullen with Sarah in mind, follows the story of a woman who is left to cope alone when her husband walks out. “Sarah plays a single mum who thought she was happily married with two kids, then her husband drops the bombshell. It’s about her getting back on her feet and finding life and happiness again,” explains Andy Harris, controller of comedy and drama at production company Granada. The actress’ next appearance on the small screen comes next Monday, when she stars in the two-part drama The Cry about a traumatised child protection officer. In hospital recovering after suffering her second still-birth, her character begins to suspect that one of her fellow patients is harming her own child. In undertaking the role, Sarah admits that some of the lows she portrays are not so far from her own experience. “Sadly I didn’t have to search too far to dig up useful emotions for this role. I’m so used to living with it,” she revealed, adding: “It’s not something I’m embarrassed about. Depression is an issue that tends to be brushed under the carpet. My hope is that if people with a public profile talk about it, then it might prompt other people to talk about it, too.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Sarah's new role, Life Begins, was created specifically for her by Cold Feet writer Mike Bullen
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Unsurprisingly, the new show is being described as a 40-something version of the popular hit series (above)
