Julie’s five best films

1Educating Rita

Written by her good friend Willy Russell, Julie’s 1983 turn as a hairdresser who joins an Open University literature course run by a boozy professor (Michael Caine, right) won her a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. It also turned her into a star.

2 Personal Services

Inspired by Cynthia Payne, the British brothel madam who made headlines in the 1980s for her kinky parties attended by high-flying establishment figures, Julie’s comic turn in 1987 as Christine won her a BAFTA nomination and some notoriety – the film was banned in Ireland for two months.

3 Billy Elliot

Playing Mrs Wilkinson, the ballet teacher to Jamie Bell’s aspiring dancer, Julie created one of her most endearing characters in 2000’s Billy Elliot. It was another awards season favourite too – winning her a BAFTA and Oscar, as well as Golden Globe nominations.

4 Harry Potter

As the spell-casting mother of seven, Molly Weasley, Julie starred in seven of the eight movies based on J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. A series regular, she only missed appearing in 2005’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

5 Calendar Girls

Based on true events, this 2003 comedy saw Julie as Women’s Institute member Annie, who helps organise a fundraising nude calendar. The film co-starred Helen Mirren (right, in red) and was a hit all over the world, making $96 million at the box office.