Let's hear it for the (British showbiz) girls

So, in my blog post about John Whittingdale and his potential threat to the BBC in The Tories better keep their hands off my Auntie, I listed many male actors that the broadcaster helped launch. However, I didn't mention any ladies. So here it goes, my ode to British female actors.


We not only have a fantastic crop of male actors - who dominate award season and the headlines leaving the women in the shade - but we have a host of ladies who are just as talented, beautiful and cool. Kicking us off is my girl crush, Emily Blunt. She was fantastic in Looper, Salmon Fishing in The Yemen and Young Victoria. A compelling and understated performer, who I feel is far more diverse than her career is showcasing.

Romola Garai was launched by the BBC, having appeared in Glorious 39, The Hour and Daniel Deronda. She stole the show from acting tour de force Eddie Marsan in Junkheart and I cried with laughter when she presented Best Comedy Film at the BAFTAs by announcing that after having 23 stitches in her vagina, she didn't think she would laugh again.

A completely underrated performer, Naomie Harris' career has been on one amazing trajectory. She played Calypso in Pirates of The Caribbean, Miss Moneypenny in Skyfall (probably the best Bond film - as it's the only one I've seen all the way through), Winnie Mandela in Mandela and Denise in Sex & Drugs & Rock n Roll. She's completely held her own starring opposite these acclaimed giants of acting.


You can't talk about rising British talent without mentioning Jenna Coleman. I've only seen her as Clara in Dr Who. But the role has meant that we've seen the length and breadth of her talent, from comedy, action, drama and all the emotions across every universe. And of course, the girl who is annoyingly good at everything Cara Delevingne, whose incredible clutch of new movies indicate that she must be pretty good at acting too.

My favourite actress of all time is Helena Bonham-Carter. What a phenomenal character actress. She's brilliant even in rubbish films or wearing monkey prosthetics. And I'm not sure anyone else could have played Elizabeth Taylor so convincingly.

If we're talking about British actress, we need to mention Gemma Arterton, Rachel WeiszEmma Watson, newest girl crush Emilia Clarke, Kate Beckinsale and Juno Temple. Who not only can out act any of their American counterparts, but can stop traffic with their beauty unlike their American counterparts. Unfortunately, their movies have failed to set the world alight.


But actresses who have made the world sit up and take notice are Oscar nominees, Keira I-can't-act-for-toffee KnightleyCarey I'm-about-to-cry Mulligan and Felicity Jones. These are lesser of the award nominated evils like Kate drama-school WinsletRosamund Pike and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

I just want to mention the great women who grace our TVs, magazines and airwaves, like Emma WillisLauren LaverneEleanor TomlinsonRosie Huntington-WhiteleyKate MossRita OraFlorence Welch and Adele. Ladies, we salute you.

First published 27/06/2015

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