Sue Johnston, the iconic Liverpool actress known for roles in Brookside, The Royle Family, and Downton Abbey, is returning to screens in the new BBC comedy series "Ann Droid." At 82, she recently visited her hometown of Prescot to reflect on a career shaped by a Beatles legend.
New BBC Comedy "Ann Droid"
The series, set three years in the future, stars Johnston as a grieving widow named Sue who hires a robot carer named Linda, played by Diane Morgan, after a fall. Despite its comedic tone, the show explores themes of loneliness and grief. Johnston praised the script: "I wanted to be part of it because Diane wrote it and I'm such a fan... It was just joyful."
Johnston and Morgan recently appeared at the BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool, where the ECHO attended an exclusive chat at the Royal Court Theatre. Johnston said of the series: "There's also a lot of love in it, such warmth and friendship, which comes from Diane's writing."
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Growing up in Prescot, Johnston knew she wanted to act from age 13, playing a witch in a school play. She recalled: "I was down stage left... I just knew that I wanted to be an actor." However, in the 1950s, acting opportunities were scarce. She worked as a tax inspector in Liverpool 5, describing herself as "the worst tax inspector."
Her office was on Mathew Street, so she spent her days at the Cavern Club. After quitting taxes, she pursued a creative path. Paul McCartney helped her get a job at NEMS, the record shop founded by Brian Epstein's family. Johnston said: "If I can name drop, Paul McCartney got me a job at NEMS."
Path to Stardom
Johnston eventually attended drama school at age 21. Her first TV role was as Mrs Chadwick on Coronation Street in 1982. She became a household name as Sheila Grant in Brookside and Barbara Royle in The Royle Family opposite Ricky Tomlinson. Reflecting on her journey, she said: "It took me until I was 21 when I eventually went to drama school."
"Ann Droid" airs weekly on BBC One from Friday, July 17 at 9:30pm, with episodes on BBC iPlayer.
