Sian Clifford, who has joined the cast of Ludwig series two on BBC One, has opened up about growing up with her siblings. The 44-year-old, best known for playing Claire in Fleabag, grew up in Ealing and comes from a close-knit family of four siblings. She has two brothers, Alex and Elliot, and a sister, Natalie, who works as an art dealer in New York City.
A Sister's Influence
It was Natalie who first sparked Clifford's acting ambitions. Watching her sister perform in youth theatre as a child was a pivotal moment. Clifford told The Guardian in April 2022: "I had a knowing that I was meant to be there and not here." Despite her own celebrated career, Clifford is self-effacing when comparing herself to her sibling. "It's funny, I would say my sister is the performer in the family; I'm much more introverted," she added.
Bond with Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Clifford formed a "sisterhood" with her Fleabag co-star and best friend, Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Clifford revealed that her limited profile at the time meant producers needed persuading before she was cast as Claire. Waller-Bridge advocated for her, telling producers they would not find a more sister-like bond than theirs. The pair first met at drama school in 2003 and struck what Clifford describes as "a silent pact" to help each other secure jobs.
Family Inspiration and Reactions
When Clifford told her sister Natalie that she was the inspiration behind Fleabag's Claire, “She told me to f*** off,” Clifford told The Standard. “That’s exactly how Claire would respond. But my sister is so proud of me. Like Claire and Fleabag, she drives me insane — but I couldn’t live without her.” Clifford’s mum is an executive PA and her dad is a council worker. “Both of them have creative spirits. But I don’t think they had the opportunity to pursue creative careers,” she admitted. Ludwig premieres on BBC One tonight, August 20, at 9pm.
