‘I plan to drink through my 40th and pretend it’s not happening’: Angela Griffin talks getting older and not taking work for granted
The ex-Coronation Street actress explains why she doesn't want her daughters to follow in her footsteps
THE ex-Coronation Street actress talks friendships, turning 40 and her kids following in her footsteps.
Where Hadley Memorial Hall, north London
Have you enjoyed our tap class, Angela?
It’s reminding me how much practice I need! In September I start rehearsing for Stepping Out, the new theatre show I’m in. I’ve only ever had two lessons – I’m nowhere near the level of [co-stars] Amanda Holden and Tamzin Outhwaite.
You were in Cutting It with Amanda in the 1990s. Are you still good friends?
Yes, I’m having lunch with her this week! There’s a group of us – me, Amanda, Tamzin, Nicola Stephenson and Sarah Parish – who all get together from time to time. We went on a juicing and bootcamp retreat a few weeks ago and it was hilarious because there was no alcohol. We didn’t know what we’d be like without booze, but it turns out we’re just as funny!
You’re currently starring in ITV drama Brief Encounters, the story of how Ann Summers started. Was it as fun to film as it sounds?
It’s a drama about four very different women in 1982 who, for various reasons, get involved in Ann Summers parties. Some really unlikely friendships are born. It’s not just t*ts and arse or women cackling and putting on maid’s outfits – it’s got emotional depth, too.
Presumably there are a few laughs thrown in as well?
Oh, for sure. The women who went to these parties hadn’t seen anything like it. Nowadays, I wouldn’t be shocked to see a sex shop on Barnet High Street, but it wasn’t like that in 1982. Ann Summers was about bringing sexuality to women and letting them enjoy sex.
Have you ever been to an Ann Summers party?
Of course! I was about 22 years old when [Celebrity MasterChef winner] Lisa Faulkner’s sister had one for her hen party. I’m still best friends with Lisa [who was in Holby City with Angela] and our kids go to the same school.
Have your daughters Tallulah, 11, and Missie, nine, expressed an interest in acting?
Tallulah has been in Manchester for the last four months filming The Worst Witch for Netflix. She has a chaperone during the week and comes home at weekends. My husband Jason [42, a continuity announcer for ITV] and I are so proud of her. Is it something I’d want her to do forever though? Probably not.
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Why not?
Acting is such a competitive world and it’s so difficult to make a good living out of it. I don’t want her to have any of those worries. Three years ago, I didn’t work for 15 months. It came out of nowhere and suddenly there were no meetings. It was a reminder that no matter how good it gets, it can go at any time.
Are you concerned about your daughters being on social media?
Missie is too young for a phone, but I monitor Tallulah’s Instagram account. About once a week I go through her mobile. She knows that I do and is fine with it. She’s allowed a phone but no privacy until she turns 16.
You’re turning 40 on Tuesday. How will you celebrate?
It’s my 10-year wedding anniversary the same week, so the whole month is a massive celebration. We’re going on a family holiday, but I want to do Ibiza with the girls, too. I just plan to drink my way through it and pretend that turning 40 isn’t happening!
Watch Brief Encounters, Mondays, 9pm, ITV.