Wendy Richard

Wendy Richard was an English actress who built a long career in British television comedy and soap opera. Born in Middlesbrough, she trained at the Italia Conti Academy and supported her studies by working in department stores. In 1962 her Cockney vocals featured on Mike Sarne's chart-topping single Come Outside. She played Joyce Harker in The Newcomers from 1967 to 1969, then appeared in Dad's Army before taking the role of Shirley Brahms in Are You Being Served? from 1972 to 1985, reprising it in Grace and Favour in 1992 and 1993. Her film work included No Blade of Grass (1970), Gumshoe (1971), On the Buses (1971), Bless This House (1972) and Are You Being Served? (1977). From 1985 to 2006 she played Pauline Fowler in EastEnders, a main role in more than 2,000 episodes. She was made an MBE in 2000 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2007 British Soap Awards.