Coronation Street’s Rula Lenska has called for more roles for older actresses.
The 70-year-old star insisted there should be better representation across the stage and screen, rather than good parts going to "a bunch" of the better-known performers.
She told BANG Showbiz: "It’s much, much harder for older actresses. For men there are many, many more parts – both in television and in the theatre and in films.
"For the moment, any decent parts for older women go to a bunch of about five or six of the best-known British actors and that’s just the way it is.
"I think we need more female writers and more female storylines, and particularly middle-aged and older storylines. But I would say that, wouldn’t I?"
The ‘Corrie’ actress is delighted to be back as Claudia Colby in a hair salon rivalry with Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls), as it is portraying a big demographic for the soap.
She explained: "I think it’s very important, because if you look at the demographic of people who watch, I would say that 75 per cent of them are older.
"So I think it’s terribly important that there are viable, interesting, exciting and unusual relationships. Two older ladies who love/ hate each other is not something you see very often. It’s a delicious possibility of grown-up, funny humour."
For the part of Claudia, Rula admitted she took inspiration from Dame Joan Collins.
She said: "A bit Joan Collins. Anybody of that sort of ‘Dynasty’ era. No padded shoulders but sort of like that."
Rula admitted the need to be "proactive", and having the right "attitude" is advice she would give to her younger self.
She added: "Don’t expect and you won’t be disappointed. Be true to yourself, whatever that means. I’ve always been an adventuress. It hasn’t stopped. If somebody tells me not to do something, it’s the first thing I’ll go and do. I’ve got into serious trouble many, many times in my life.
"I’ve had an amazing life so far and I intend it to go on. I think probably the most important is to trust your instinct. If I hadn’t managed to make it in some way as an actress, I would have wanted to be an explorer and a wildlife photographer, which I still manage to do a bit of. But I love this world and I love the challenge of becoming different people."
Rula Lenska wants more parts for older actresses
