Joanna Scanlan

Joanna Scanlan (born 27 October 1961) is an English actress and screenwriter. She is known for her roles in British television series, such as The Thick of It (2005–12), Getting On (2009–12), Puppy Love (2014), and No Offence (2015–present). She was nominated for three BAFTA TV Awards for Getting On, including two for Best Writing. Her film appearances include Girl With a Pearl Earring (2003), Notes on a Scandal (2006), The Invisible Woman (2013), and Bridget Jones's Baby (2016). 2Early life Scanlan was born in West Kirby, Wirral. She attended Brigidine convent, Denbigh, New Hall School, Chelmsford and Howell's School Denbigh. The daughter of hoteliers, Michael and Patricia Scanlan, she moved to North Wales with her parents at the age of three, where her parents later bought the Ruthin Castle hotel. She then studied history at Queens' College, Cambridge. She then joined the Cambridge Footlights, where she became friends with Tilda Swinton. 2Career 3Early career After graduation, Scanlan joined the academic staff of Leicester Polytechnic lecturing in drama for five years, before she undertook a similar role at the Arts Council of Great Britain for three year