Amanda Barrie leaves the Big Brother house

Carry On and Coronation Street actress Amanda Barrie left the infamous Celebrity Big Brother house last night. In what turned out to be a triple eviction, Amanda was the last of three celebrities to be voted out before the final at the end of the week.

When it was announced that Amanda was appearing in this series I wished her well but admitted this form of reality television doesn't really float my boat. Despite this and purely because she was appearing, I watched Big Brother for the first time ever. I'm not sure I'd be a repeat viewer. I love Amanda though and although she must be sick of hearing this, she really does look wonderful for 82 years young!

Although I'd have loved her to win the series, I'm actually quite relieved she's been released. It looks like a fairly exhausting experience, being constantly filmed and spending time with a bunch of people you've never met before. And being at the hands of the television editor can't be much fun either. I guess Amanda knew what she was up against though and she's a tough cookie who's seen it all many times before!

Amanda's stint in the Big Brother house wasn't without controversy and while I don't want to dwell on this negative side of the experience, whatever your views, some of the abuse Amanda has received via the wonderful world of Twitter has been pretty vile. My best wishes go to both Amanda and her wonderful wife Hilary. I bet Hilary is glad to have her back and I hope they manage some time out to recover!

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan on Facebook and on Instagram

Happy Birthday Amanda Barrie!

It's hard to believe it but the wonderful Amanda Barrie celebrates her 80th birthday today. The ever-youthful star of stage and screen was born Shirley Anne Broadbent on 14 September 1935 in Ashton Under Lyne.

Amanda is a real fans favourite, starring in two early Carry On films in the 1960s. She first of all played the supporting role of Glam Cab driver Anthea in Carry On Cabby before following this up with a starring role as Cleo in the classic Carry On Cleo in 1964. Sadly Amanda did not return the Carry On team for further adventures as her agent sent her off for a season at the Bristol Old Vic instead! 

Amanda was a natural in the Carry Ons, working beautifully with the likes of Sid James, Kenneth Williams and Kenneth Connor. Other film appearances at the time included A Pair of Briefs (with Joan Sims), Doctor in Distress (with Dennis Price) and I've Gotta Horse (with Billy Fury). On stage, Amanda played leading ladies in a host of West End productions including She Loves Me, Cabaret, Hobson's Choice, Absurd Person Singular, Stepping Out and Private Lives. 

Of course we all know her best these days for her long stint playing the wonderful Alma in Coronation Street. Amanda first appeared in the Street in guest spots as the cafe owner in 1981 and 1982 before returning on a permanent basis from late 1988. She would play the role until the character's death from cancer in June 2001. Alma featured in some memorable storylines which included marrying Mike Baldwin, being kidnapped by Don Brennan and being romanced by Ken Barlow. She also had wonderfully strong female friendships with the likes of Audrey, Gail and Hayley. Fourteen years after her last appearance she is still much-missed by fans.

Amanda has gone on to appear in the likes of Doctors, Bad Girls, Holby City and most recently Benidorm with her former Corrie co-star Sherrie Hewson. Amanda has also become a regular on the pantomime circuit.

Amanda married her longterm partner Hilary Bonner at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2014. 

Whatever she is up to today, I hope Amanda has a terrific birthday!

You can read Glenda Young's blog post about Amanda's autobiography here at Carry On Blogging later today.

You can meet Amanda at the London Film Convention on Saturday 19 September.

Amanda has recently shot a short film, Tea For Two. You can read my exclusive review of the film here 

You can follow me on Twitter @CarryOnJoan and also Facebook

Clicking on the adverts helps to keep this blog going.