roles that made us fall in love with DAME JULIE

EDUCATING RITA (1983)

Julie captured our hearts for her iconic role as the Liverpudlian hairdresser who signs up for an Open University course in English Literature to escape her life and marriage. Starring opposite Michael Caine, who played her jaded lecturer, it catapulted her to worldwide fame and landed her a Golden Globe as well as a BAFTA.

ACORN ANTIQUES (1985-2007)

She showcased her comedic talents as the clumsy tea lady Mrs Overall in the spoof soap, which was originally a sketch in Victoria Wood As Seen On TV. The very British comedy cemented the lifelong friendship between Wood and Walters. Julie says Mrs Overall – who quite rightly believes a cup of tea and a macaroon solves everything in life – will always be part of her.

BILLY ELLIOT (2000)

Set in the mid-1980s against the backdrop of the miners’ strike in County Durham, the drama featured Jamie Bell as Billy, an aspiring ballet dancer. Julie played his dance teacher, Mrs Wilkinson, moving audiences to tears as she secretly teaches Billy after his father bans him from lessons. One of her finest performances, it confirmed her status as a big-screen star.

HARRY POTTER (2001-2011)

The big-budget Harry Potter films, based on JK Rowling’s bestselling books, showcase the actress at her most homely. She played Molly Weasley, the mother of Harry’s best friend Ron, in the films, which have appealed to children and adults around the globe.

CALENDAR GIRLS (2003)

Julie captivated audiences as Annie. After the death of her husband from leukaemia, her local WI friends decide to pose naked for a charity calendar. Based on a true story, the tearjerker feelgood film was an international box-office hit.

MAMMA MIA! (2008)

She stole the show in the Hollywood adaptation of the smash-hit stage musical based on Abba’s hits. Who can forget her dancing on a table alongside Meryl Streep and singing Take A Chance On Me as she tries to capture the man of her dreams?

MO (2010)

Julie shaved her head to play Mo Mowlam in the Channel 4 biopic, which traced the political rise and physical decline of the muchloved Labour politician as she battled a brain tumour. Julie says the role was a huge challenge but left her immensely proud.

NATIONAL TREASURE (2016)

Julie won plaudits for her portrayal of the long-suffering wife of a TV legend who is accused of historic sex crimes. Her performance in the Channel 4 drama opposite Robbie Coltrane showcases why she is one of our greatest acting talents – and now a Dame to boot.