Anne Reid Movies and Career Information

Anne Reid, MBE (born 28 May 1935) is a BAFTA Award-nominated English film and television actress from Newcastle upon Tyne, best known for her roles as Valerie Tatlock in Coronation Street and Jean in dinnerladies. Reid was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2010 Birthday Honours. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Reid's first major role was Valerie Tatlock on Coronation Street. Her character was very popular with the fans with Valerie's marriage to Ken Barlow being an early example of a soap supercouple. Her character Valerie was the mother of the twins Susan and Peter. Reid joined the cast, initially for two months, starting in August 1961 and leaving in October 1961. She returned to the programme to marry Ken Barlow on 1 August 1962 in a wedding watched by 15.8 million viewers. Her character was very popular and in 1965 when she and Ken had twins, Granada TV received numerous flowers, cigars, candies, and cards addressed to Val as congratulations. An estimated 17.8 million watched the christening episode of the twins. In 1968 Reid played one of the most difficult parts in Coronation Street, when Val was held hostage by a rapist.