Angela Griffin, 50, has said there is no pressure on her daughters to follow her into acting, praising her eldest for taking an academic route. The actress, known for roles in Coronation Street, Holby City and Waterloo Road, said she wants her children to pursue whatever dreams they have.
Family and Friendship
Her eldest daughter, Tallulah, 22, recently graduated from St Andrews, while her younger daughter, Melissa, is 19. Angela said: “My eldest has just graduated from St Andrews. She’s doing great. I love that she’s gone down the more academic route. I just want her to follow whatever dream she has, I’m happy for both of them to do whatever they want to do.”
Angela, who is married to actor Jason Milligan, 57, also spoke about her close friendship with former Holby City co-stars Lisa Faulkner and Nicola Stephenson. The trio met during her stint as nurse Jasmine Hopkins from 1999 to 2001.
She said: “They’re my best friends, they’re my sisters. I appreciate now, having been in the business for so long, how hard it can be. It’s tough to keep relationships going in this business – both friendships and marriages. You’re six months in this country and six months in that city.” She added: “The fact that we’ve managed to maintain our friendship, I’m thankful for them every single day. They’re my family and I’m so grateful that we’re super close.”
Career Reflections
Angela joined Coronation Street at 16 as Fiona Middleton, dealing with overnight fame at a time before social media. She said: “My generation had it really different. The pressures were totally different. And I don’t know which I prefer, to be honest. Instant fame definitely doesn’t happen from TV shows any more, unless they’re reality shows, and then it’s only among a certain demographic.”
After leaving the soap six years later, she recalled being unaware of the risks: “I was 21 and I had no idea. I had a mortgage at the time, but no clue that the likelihood of getting a job was actually really quite small. She was very brave, that 21-year-old girl.”
Angela later played Kim Campbell on Waterloo Road, a role she first took on during the show’s original run and reprised when it was revived in 2023. Asked about the show’s success as it marks its 20th anniversary, she said: “The stories of school chime with everybody. Everyone’s had to go through it in life. If it’s through the lenses of the teachers, it also appeals to adults. There are also people who grew up with it and were at school at the same time as Chlo and Donte, and might now be parents themselves.”
She said she would never rule out returning as Kim: “With Kim, she always comes to save the day. I’d never say never. I’ve never burned any of my bridges. Unless I am dead in the storyline, then I could always be back – like The Terminator!”
Radio Show and Music
Angela has hosted Unwinds With Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2 since 2021, a one-hour musical journey designed to help listeners relax. She is looking forward to attending the Radio 2 In The Park event in Stirling this weekend, which will feature performances from Chaka Khan, Lulu and Simple Minds.
She said: “We have to take that time out, take those moments of mindfulness and moments of calm. I don’t think it ends very well otherwise. I love my show, and the impact it has and how so many people let me into their lives. The letters that we get of how important Unwinds is can be so moving. Sometimes, listeners are in hospital and they tell me the show is helping them through their recuperation. There are also those who have lost partners, who are going home to an empty house and want some company. It’s such a privilege to get to be there with them.”
BBC Radio 2 In The Park takes place in Stirling from 11 to 13 September. Tickets are available now, and highlights will be available on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
