Beyond Paradise star Barbara Flynn has been a familiar face on TV for decades and now she has opened up about her hidden talent. The actress, also recognised for her role in Open All Hours, appears in today's episode of Love Your Weekend With Alan Titchmarsh, discussing her life and career with the ITV presenter.
Barbara Flynn's Second Career
In recent years, the 77-year-old has become best known for portraying Anne Lloyd, the mother of Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton), in the beloved BBC cosy crime drama Beyond Paradise. Yet Flynn has previously disclosed that acting is not her sole contribution to the series, as she fulfils another significant role behind the camera.
The actress crafts her own jewellery, which she supplies to the costume department and wears as part of her character's look in the BBC series.
How It All Started
Speaking candidly on Morning Live, Flynn revealed: "Well yes, I started making jewellery about 2000 because I wanted to wear something to a party and I couldn't find anything. My father dabbled a bit in some silverware so I did make something and people liked it. Then I found gemstones and that opened up a whole different world for me."
She went on to say: "So when we were getting ready to do the first series, the lovely designer said 'What do you think about jewellery Barbara?' I said 'Well, I make jewellery so I could offer you anything that you'd like me to wear with the outfits that you've chosen.' And so it started from there. I make or I have made or own everything that I wear in the show."
Beyond Paradise and Beyond
Flynn's talents extend far beyond acting, as she also runs her own jewellery enterprise, Barbara Flynn Jewellery. According to her Instagram profile, the star works with "high quality gemstones, minerals and precious metals to create unique pieces of jewellery for you." She has previously exhibited her creations at artisan boutiques in Cornwall, while also retailing her pieces through social media channels.
Beyond Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
