BBC crime drama Happy Valley came away with Best Returning Drama at the National Television Awards, and lead star Sarah Lancashire was honoured with two awards (courtesy of a story by Hello!). One was for Best Drama Performance for her part as the hardheaded Catherine Cawood, before being invited to the stage again to pick up the annual Special Recognition Award, presented to the 58-year-old actress by Sir Ian McKellen.
“Thank you so much for this. I have adored every scene, every moment of Happy Valley. And I know I will never forget it, nor the brilliant people that I’ve worked with, the way the BBC have supported us.”
“I have to say some things about Sally Wainwright because she is Happy Valley, she is what makes it, her writing is so extraordinary, her characters are extraordinary and anyone who is in receipt of those words is the luckiest actor in the world, in truth,” Lancashire added.
“There are also enablers who stand very quietly in the wings without expectation or due credit, and they are my family, my husband, my children, my friends, my agent, Nick, thank you. And of course, a very vital component in all this is you, the audience.”
Lancashire praised her co-stars on Happy Valley, including James Norton and Siobhan Finneran, who were absent on the night due to scheduling commitments.
Lancashire hailed Finneran as her “partner in crime for three years” and “an extraordinary actress” who portrayed on-screen sister Clare. The Special Recognition Award featured testimonies from those who had collaborated with Lancashire.
Happy Valley Series 1-3 is available to stream on the BBC iPlayer. The series, set in the Calder Valley of West Yorkshire, stars Lancashire, James Norton, Siobhan Finneran, Rhys Connah, George Costigan, Charlie Murphy, Karl Davies, Katherine Kelly, Con O’Neill, Sophie Rundle, Susan Lynch, and Derek Riddell.
