Sherrie Hewson is a name instantly recognisable to British television audiences. A talented and versatile performer, the Sherrie Hewson actress legacy spans more than five decades across drama, comedy, soap operas, film, theatre, and television presenting. From classic British dramas to iconic soap roles and hit sitcoms, she has built a career defined by longevity, adaptability, and charm. This article explores the full life and career of Sherrie Hewson, covering her early years, professional breakthrough, major television roles, work beyond acting, personal life, and her lasting impact on British entertainment.
Who Is Sherrie Hewson?
Sherrie Hewson is an English actress, television personality, and author best known for her work in popular British television series such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Crossroads, Benidorm, and Hollyoaks. She is also widely recognised for her long-running role as a panellist on ITV’s daytime talk show Loose Women.
Born Sherrie Lynn Hutchinson on 17 September 1950 in Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire, Sherrie Hewson grew up with a passion for performance that would later define her professional life.
Early Life and Education
Sherrie Hewson’s journey into acting began at a young age. She showed early promise and determination, eventually earning a place at one of the most prestigious drama institutions in the world — the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Graduating from RADA gave her a solid classical foundation, helping her develop skills in stage performance, voice training, and screen acting. This formal education played a crucial role in preparing her for the wide variety of roles she would later take on as a professional actress.
Early Acting Career and First Television Appearances
The Sherrie Hewson actress career officially began in the early 1970s. Like many British actors of her generation, she built her experience through guest appearances and supporting roles in popular television dramas.
Some of her early TV credits include appearances in:
- Z-Cars
- The Moonstone
- Within These Walls
- Play for Today
- Minder
- Juliet Bravo
- The Sandbaggers
These early roles allowed Sherrie Hewson to showcase her adaptability, moving comfortably between drama, crime, and light entertainment.
Film Career and the Carry On Era
While television became her primary platform, Sherrie Hewson also appeared in several films during the 1970s.
One of her most notable film roles was in “Carry On Behind” (1975), part of the legendary Carry On comedy franchise. Appearing in a Carry On film was a significant milestone, as the series remains a cornerstone of British comedy cinema.
Other film credits include:
- The Slipper and the Rose (1976)
- Hanover Street (1979)
Although her film work was relatively limited compared to her television work, these roles helped cement her presence in British popular culture.
Breakthrough Soap Opera Roles
Coronation Street – Maureen Holdsworth
The defining breakthrough in the Sherrie Hewson actress career came in the 1990s when she joined Coronation Street, one of the UK’s most beloved soap operas.
She played Maureen Holdsworth, a character remembered for her exaggerated personality, comedic mishaps, and chaotic storylines. Sherrie Hewson appeared in the role from 1993 to 1997, with a brief return in 2006.
Maureen Holdsworth remains one of the most memorable characters in Coronation Street history, and the role significantly increased Hewson’s public recognition.
Crossroads – Virginia Raven
Following her success in Coronation Street, Sherrie Hewson joined the revived version of Crossroads in the early 2000s.
She played Virginia Raven, a receptionist at the Crossroads Motel. This role further established her as a reliable and engaging soap actress, capable of balancing drama with light-hearted comedy.
Emmerdale – Lesley Meredith
From 2004 to 2006, Sherrie Hewson portrayed Lesley Meredith in Emmerdale. This character allowed her to explore more dramatic storylines, showing a different side to her acting range.
Her performance in Emmerdale proved that she was not limited to comedic roles and could handle emotionally complex material with confidence.
Benidorm – Comedy Success on ITV
One of the most popular chapters in the Sherrie Hewson actress career came with her role in the hit ITV sitcom Benidorm.
From 2012 to 2018, she played Joyce Temple-Savage, the eccentric and power-hungry manager of the Solana Hotel. Joyce quickly became a fan favourite due to her sharp one-liners, outrageous outfits, and comic rivalry with other characters.
Benidorm introduced Sherrie Hewson to a new generation of viewers and remains one of her most widely recognised roles.
Hollyoaks and Later Acting Roles
Proving her continued relevance in modern television, Sherrie Hewson joined Hollyoaks in 2024, playing Martha Blake.
This role demonstrated her ability to adapt to contemporary soap storytelling and connect with younger audiences. Her ongoing work in television highlights her enduring appeal and professional longevity.
Work Beyond Acting: Loose Women and Television Personality
In addition to acting, Sherrie Hewson became a familiar face on daytime television through her role as a panellist on ITV’s Loose Women.
She appeared on the show from 2003 to 2016, where she was known for her openness, humour, and willingness to discuss personal topics. Her presence on Loose Women helped establish her as a television personality rather than solely an actress.
She also appeared on reality and entertainment shows, including:
- Celebrity Big Brother (2015)
- Celebrity MasterChef
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Author and Creative Projects
Beyond acting and presenting, Sherrie Hewson has also enjoyed success as an author.
Her published works include:
- The Tannery (2009) – a crime novel that won the BBC’s Murder Most Famous
- Sherrie: Behind the Laughter (2011) – her autobiography
- Nana’s Kitchen (2014) – a family-focused cookbook
These projects reveal her creativity beyond the screen and provide insight into her personal experiences and storytelling skills.
Personal Life
Sherrie Hewson was married to Ken Boyd from 1983 until their separation in 2011. The couple have one daughter, Keeley Boyd, and Sherrie is also a proud grandmother.
She has spoken openly in interviews about family life, personal challenges, and resilience, contributing to her reputation as a relatable and honest public figure.
Awards, Recognition, and Legacy
Although Sherrie Hewson has not focused heavily on awards, her greatest recognition lies in her longevity and cultural impact. Few actresses can claim consistent relevance across five decades of British television.
The Sherrie Hewson actress legacy includes:
- Iconic soap opera characters
- Memorable sitcom performances
- A respected presence in daytime television
- Continued work well into her 70s
She is widely admired for her work ethic, versatility, and adaptability to the evolving television landscape.
Why Sherrie Hewson Remains Relevant Today
What sets Sherrie Hewson apart is her adaptability. From period dramas to modern soaps, comedy to reality TV, she has consistently reinvented herself while remaining authentic.
Her career serves as an example of how talent, resilience, and personality can sustain long-term success in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
The story of the Sherrie Hewson actress career is one of perseverance, versatility, and enduring appeal. From her early days as a RADA-trained performer to her status as a beloved British television icon, Sherrie Hewson has left an indelible mark on UK entertainment.
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