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Amanda Barrie - I'm Still Here: My 90 Years
'I have 90 years to 90 years of joy and sorrow, triumph and disaster, love and loss, laughter and tears; 90 years of watching the world change around me beyond my wildest imagination. Ninety years and still counting...'
Amanda Barrie, the iconic Cleo in Carry on Cleo and much-loved Alma in Coronation Street, was born in 1935, above her grandfather’s tailor’s shop in Ashton Under Lyne, during a ferocious thunderstorm. And ever since her journey through life has been a stormy one.
This book will tell the whole story for the first time, from her expulsion from two schools and running away from home aged 13 to be a Soho showgirl, to rising from the chorus to star in the West End, to Carry On Cabby and Carry On Cleo, to Corrie, Bad Girls and more. Amanda has become something of a national treasure, entertaining us all, whilst not hesitating to speak up for herself and others on national television, including on celebrity editions of Hell's Kitchen and Big Brother.
Having performed in her teenage years alongside fellow national icon Barbara Windsor, Amanda’s life has in many ways followed a similar trajectory to become a huge household name.
Amanda will pay particular attention to the whole new life she has led since she left Coronation Street in 2001. Packed with anecdotes and memories of her nine decades on stage and screen, she will share the moments that came to define her life.
She will fully explore her struggle to come to terms with who she was, relating in painful detail the traumas faced by a young gay woman in the 1950s and early 60s. She will explain why she kept that side of her a secret for most of her adult life, and how she feared that she would lose her job and her home if the truth became known.
For the first time, she will tell the full story of how she met her wife, novelist Hillary Bonner, fell in love, overcame all manner of difficulties, and built a new life together.
Amanda Barrie, the iconic Cleo in Carry on Cleo and much-loved Alma in Coronation Street, was born in 1935, above her grandfather’s tailor’s shop in Ashton Under Lyne, during a ferocious thunderstorm. And ever since her journey through life has been a stormy one.
This book will tell the whole story for the first time, from her expulsion from two schools and running away from home aged 13 to be a Soho showgirl, to rising from the chorus to star in the West End, to Carry On Cabby and Carry On Cleo, to Corrie, Bad Girls and more. Amanda has become something of a national treasure, entertaining us all, whilst not hesitating to speak up for herself and others on national television, including on celebrity editions of Hell's Kitchen and Big Brother.
Having performed in her teenage years alongside fellow national icon Barbara Windsor, Amanda’s life has in many ways followed a similar trajectory to become a huge household name.
Amanda will pay particular attention to the whole new life she has led since she left Coronation Street in 2001. Packed with anecdotes and memories of her nine decades on stage and screen, she will share the moments that came to define her life.
She will fully explore her struggle to come to terms with who she was, relating in painful detail the traumas faced by a young gay woman in the 1950s and early 60s. She will explain why she kept that side of her a secret for most of her adult life, and how she feared that she would lose her job and her home if the truth became known.
For the first time, she will tell the full story of how she met her wife, novelist Hillary Bonner, fell in love, overcame all manner of difficulties, and built a new life together.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Barrie
5 booksBorn Shirley Anne Broadbent in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, Barrie attended St Anne's College, St Anne's on Sea. She then trained at the Arts Educational School in London and later at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She appeared in pantomime as a child and was a dancer before acting in a number of British television and film roles in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as presenting Hickory House with former Coronation Street star Alan Rothwell between 1973 and 1977. She was also in two of the Carry On films, a long-running series of British comedy films: she had a supporting turn as a cab driver in Carry On Cabby (1963) and took the title role in Carry On Cleo (1964), which helped her on her way to becoming an international star of stage and screen.
In 1975, she played Mrs. B.J. Spence in the Walt Disney film One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing. After roles in a string of one-off television plays and series, she appeared in a guest role as a ballet mistress in the popular BBC comedy series Are You Being Served? in 1979. She worked for many years as a chorus girl in the West End until her first break as an actress came along. At sixteen she danced at the Windsor Club with Danny La Rue and Barbara Windsor, changing her name before making her West End debut in 1961's 'Babes in the Wood'. Throughout the sixties Amanda worked on many stage productions including 'Cabaret', 'Private Lives', 'Hobson's Choice' and 'Aladdin', and continued to perform on stage until the mid-1980s. She is well known as Alma Sedgewick (later Baldwin), on Coronation Street. She was a bit-player in the early to mid-1980s before she was offered a contract in 1988, after which she became a very well known character. She continued in the role until her retirement in 2001. In the story, Alma was diagnosed with cervical cancer which later caused her death.[1]
Since leaving Coronation Street, she continued to act, firstly as Margo Phillips in the long-running BBC soap opera Doctors for nine episodes, and in the popular ITV1 prison series, Bad Girls, playing inmate Bev Tull from the fifth series to the last, along with Phyl Oswyn played by Stephanie Beacham. The characters together were known as "The Costa Cons". She also became one of the celebrities who took part in Hell's Kitchen; a popular ITV1 "reality TV" series which screened in 2004. While on the show, she became so frustrated with Gordon Ramsay, that she tried to slap him across the face.[2]
From November 2006 to January 2007, Amanda took a starring role in the pantomime adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk in Canterbury. From December 2007 to January 2008, she appeared as the Fairy Godmother in the pantomime adaptation of Cinderella at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.[3] From December 2008 to January 2009, she played the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool. She again played the role from December 2009 to January 2010 in Rhyl. In December 2010 and January 2011 she played the role in Bournemouth. She played role again from December 2011 to January 2012 in Worthing. On Tuesday 7 August 2012 she appeared in the BBC drama Holby City as troubled, sassy, failed actress Annabella Casey. She is scheduled to again play the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft from December 2013 to January 2014.
In 1975, she played Mrs. B.J. Spence in the Walt Disney film One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing. After roles in a string of one-off television plays and series, she appeared in a guest role as a ballet mistress in the popular BBC comedy series Are You Being Served? in 1979. She worked for many years as a chorus girl in the West End until her first break as an actress came along. At sixteen she danced at the Windsor Club with Danny La Rue and Barbara Windsor, changing her name before making her West End debut in 1961's 'Babes in the Wood'. Throughout the sixties Amanda worked on many stage productions including 'Cabaret', 'Private Lives', 'Hobson's Choice' and 'Aladdin', and continued to perform on stage until the mid-1980s. She is well known as Alma Sedgewick (later Baldwin), on Coronation Street. She was a bit-player in the early to mid-1980s before she was offered a contract in 1988, after which she became a very well known character. She continued in the role until her retirement in 2001. In the story, Alma was diagnosed with cervical cancer which later caused her death.[1]
Since leaving Coronation Street, she continued to act, firstly as Margo Phillips in the long-running BBC soap opera Doctors for nine episodes, and in the popular ITV1 prison series, Bad Girls, playing inmate Bev Tull from the fifth series to the last, along with Phyl Oswyn played by Stephanie Beacham. The characters together were known as "The Costa Cons". She also became one of the celebrities who took part in Hell's Kitchen; a popular ITV1 "reality TV" series which screened in 2004. While on the show, she became so frustrated with Gordon Ramsay, that she tried to slap him across the face.[2]
From November 2006 to January 2007, Amanda took a starring role in the pantomime adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk in Canterbury. From December 2007 to January 2008, she appeared as the Fairy Godmother in the pantomime adaptation of Cinderella at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.[3] From December 2008 to January 2009, she played the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool. She again played the role from December 2009 to January 2010 in Rhyl. In December 2010 and January 2011 she played the role in Bournemouth. She played role again from December 2011 to January 2012 in Worthing. On Tuesday 7 August 2012 she appeared in the BBC drama Holby City as troubled, sassy, failed actress Annabella Casey. She is scheduled to again play the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft from December 2013 to January 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 23, 2025
I am guilty, I always thought Jim Dale was one of the last Carry On stars alive, not watching Coronation Street ever, I had not seen her at all and just forgot, but now I know her story and her long standing career.
If you can live to ninety, you have many memories, and even better if you can remember them, great to share your stories.
Never having the knowledge of her earlier career in the 50's, her wide range of stage work, television work.
Now able to lead a life that she has always wanted to, free to be happy, with her wife.
“Twenty-five years ago the world celebrated the start of a new millennium while I celebrated the beginning of a whole new life. A life I had never imagined would be possible.”
Amanda Barrie, the iconic Cleo in Carry on Cleo and much-loved Alma in Coronation Street, was born in 1935, above her grandfather’s tailor shop in Ashton-Under-Lyne, during a ferocious thunderstorm. And ever since her journey through life has been a stormy one.
From a wartime childhood to her expulsion from two schools to running away to London aged 13, later becoming a Soho showgirl alongside Barbara Windsor in the 1950s, to rising from the chorus to star in the West End and become something of a national treasure on stage and screen.
In her memoir, Amanda explores her struggle to come to terms with who she really is and why she kept that side of her a secret for most of her adult life, and how she continued, right through her Corrie years, to fear that she would lose her job and her home if the truth became known.
For the first time, Amanda tells the full story of how she met her wife, novelist Hilary Bonner, fell in love, overcame all manner of difficulties, and built a new life together.
Three stars, mainly I wanted to know more about her co-stars in the carry one films, but as I expected all nice except nasty Kenneth Williams.
If you can live to ninety, you have many memories, and even better if you can remember them, great to share your stories.
Never having the knowledge of her earlier career in the 50's, her wide range of stage work, television work.
Now able to lead a life that she has always wanted to, free to be happy, with her wife.
“Twenty-five years ago the world celebrated the start of a new millennium while I celebrated the beginning of a whole new life. A life I had never imagined would be possible.”
Amanda Barrie, the iconic Cleo in Carry on Cleo and much-loved Alma in Coronation Street, was born in 1935, above her grandfather’s tailor shop in Ashton-Under-Lyne, during a ferocious thunderstorm. And ever since her journey through life has been a stormy one.
From a wartime childhood to her expulsion from two schools to running away to London aged 13, later becoming a Soho showgirl alongside Barbara Windsor in the 1950s, to rising from the chorus to star in the West End and become something of a national treasure on stage and screen.
In her memoir, Amanda explores her struggle to come to terms with who she really is and why she kept that side of her a secret for most of her adult life, and how she continued, right through her Corrie years, to fear that she would lose her job and her home if the truth became known.
For the first time, Amanda tells the full story of how she met her wife, novelist Hilary Bonner, fell in love, overcame all manner of difficulties, and built a new life together.
Three stars, mainly I wanted to know more about her co-stars in the carry one films, but as I expected all nice except nasty Kenneth Williams.
November 2, 2025
thanks to the publishers and netgalley for a free copy in return for open and honest review
easy going read about Amanda Barrie career from her origins in Lancashire to a tv and film actress and following her ups and downs. quite enjoyed the book overall
easy going read about Amanda Barrie career from her origins in Lancashire to a tv and film actress and following her ups and downs. quite enjoyed the book overall
September 5, 2025
Amanda Barrie - The iconic Cleo in Carry on Cleo, much-loved Alma in Coronation Street and one-half of the hilarious duo ‘The Costa Cons’ in Bad Girls. What a woman. I’ve adored this lady since I was a small boy and I’ve enjoyed following her career. She’s been incredibly hard-working and it feels as if she’s never stopped worked.
Ahead of this new release I freshened up on her first book ‘It’s Not A Rehearsal’ (released in 2002). ‘My 90 Years’ brings us up to date from the last 20 years, sharing stories of her time in Bad Girls, Pantos, Hells Kitchen, Celebrity Big Brother and her marriage to her devoted wife, Hilary Bonner. These new chapters take place over about 140 pages or so and are split between the opening and closing of the book. Worthy stories filled with fun & laughter along the way.
The middle section of the book recaps what her first book shared; her upbringing, her ghastly time in boarding school, family dynamics, bid for stardom, working on Carry on Cleo, walking the cobbles of Coronation Street and details some of her love affairs over the years. The first book shares much more detail with regard to her sexuality which I found to be so interesting. But nevertheless, this new version shares stories worthy in a memoir and will give you into insight into this successful and fun woman.
My only critique - as a Bad Girls fan - would be I wish that the Bad Girls stories would have had more depth. She details working with Stephanie Beacham, but not much about the show itself, where she became a huge main-character with brilliant storylines including one which saw her escape to Spain.
I really enjoyed learning more about her relationship with successful author, Hilary Bonner. They seem so devoted to each other learning how happy they are warmed my heart.
Congratulations Amanda, and Happy 90th Birthday.
Ahead of this new release I freshened up on her first book ‘It’s Not A Rehearsal’ (released in 2002). ‘My 90 Years’ brings us up to date from the last 20 years, sharing stories of her time in Bad Girls, Pantos, Hells Kitchen, Celebrity Big Brother and her marriage to her devoted wife, Hilary Bonner. These new chapters take place over about 140 pages or so and are split between the opening and closing of the book. Worthy stories filled with fun & laughter along the way.
The middle section of the book recaps what her first book shared; her upbringing, her ghastly time in boarding school, family dynamics, bid for stardom, working on Carry on Cleo, walking the cobbles of Coronation Street and details some of her love affairs over the years. The first book shares much more detail with regard to her sexuality which I found to be so interesting. But nevertheless, this new version shares stories worthy in a memoir and will give you into insight into this successful and fun woman.
My only critique - as a Bad Girls fan - would be I wish that the Bad Girls stories would have had more depth. She details working with Stephanie Beacham, but not much about the show itself, where she became a huge main-character with brilliant storylines including one which saw her escape to Spain.
I really enjoyed learning more about her relationship with successful author, Hilary Bonner. They seem so devoted to each other learning how happy they are warmed my heart.
Congratulations Amanda, and Happy 90th Birthday.
September 19, 2025
I've long-since liked Amanda Barrie - both as an actress and a person. As the former, I loved her in ITV's 'Bad Girls', and years later in 'Benidorm.' I'll always remember her in the title role in 'Carry On Cleo' and thought she was also very good as Alma in 'Coronation Street.' Yes, these roles are much-loved, but Amanda has portrayed so many more besides, particularly on the stage, where she was a West End leading lady for many years. I really must seek out more of her TV and film work one day. As for the latter, she never fails to make me laugh and entertain me - as herself - on chat and reality shows.
I enjoyed her memoir, 'It's Not A Rehearsal,' which was published in 2002, very much and had given up hope that we'd get another book from her now. So 'I'm Still Here' came as a wonderful surprise, written by her wife, the author Hilary Bonner. As I write this, Amanda is celebrating her 90th birthday, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of this sprightly and hardworking lady during her book promotion.
Here, she writes about how she has seen the world change since 2002. In particular, how it doesn't matter now to most people if someone comes out as gay, something she was too scared to do until she left 'Coronation Street' in case she'd never working again. She also takes her reader through all the things she's done, which are plentiful, since the first memoir. In particular, we are given a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most popular reality shows, which have provided her with much exposure to newer generations.
There is a lot of brand new material to delight her fans and those who enjoyed 'It's Not a Rehearsal,' which I recommend for a fuller, more in-depth look at her first sixty-odd years, her career and the many challenges she faced. As with the first one, Amanda's wisdom, compassion and hilarious sense of humour come shining through. 'I'm Still Here' is a delightful read, and illustrated with great photographs, many of which were new to me, and only a few of which were in the previous book.
That said, this is not just a sequel to 'It's Not a Rehearsal,' as she also rehashes a lot from that, without the great detail. Still, a lot the anecdotes are copied word perfect from it. Now, although this at gives background to those who haven't read it or might have forgotten, I felt a little cheated. I have to say I was particularly disappointed with the chapter 'Rovers Regulars.' I went to straight to the chapter only the find that she was unable to provide new anecdotes about the cast she worked with As regular on the show for well over a decade, back when it was actually worth watching, I feel that she could have done better. I fully agree with her about the state of the show these days.
Amanda is rather forthcoming about some of the people she wasn't too keen on working with. One was Leslie Grantham, perhaps best known as 'Dirty Den' in 'EastEnders,' when they appeared in a play shortly after she left 'Coronation Street.' Another was Gordon Ramsey, and she explains, for the first time I think (?) what was going on in 'Hell's Kitchen,' and her frustration which ultimately led to her lashing out at him on camera. She also hints that although they became very close friends, she didn't initially warm to Stephanie Beacham, who played her sidekick in 'Bad Girls,' only because they are two very different types of women. But they made magic together on screen, injecting a lot of comedy into the series. Actually, I would have liked to have read more about 'Bad Girls,' as I did enjoy that show.
Despite my criticisms and disappointment that a lot is rehashed, I could never rate this book anything less than three stars. It's a fun, inspirational read, written in a chatty style. If you like Amanda or autobiographies in general and, if you haven't read her first one, snap it up today. Now, I'd like to know when is this lovely lady going to be honoured for her services to the entertainment industry? She's been a very big name in Britain since the Sixties at least, and yet not even an MBE has been bestowed on her. She's done a lot more in her career than some of the others who've been given the title, as you'll discover.
I enjoyed her memoir, 'It's Not A Rehearsal,' which was published in 2002, very much and had given up hope that we'd get another book from her now. So 'I'm Still Here' came as a wonderful surprise, written by her wife, the author Hilary Bonner. As I write this, Amanda is celebrating her 90th birthday, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of this sprightly and hardworking lady during her book promotion.
Here, she writes about how she has seen the world change since 2002. In particular, how it doesn't matter now to most people if someone comes out as gay, something she was too scared to do until she left 'Coronation Street' in case she'd never working again. She also takes her reader through all the things she's done, which are plentiful, since the first memoir. In particular, we are given a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most popular reality shows, which have provided her with much exposure to newer generations.
There is a lot of brand new material to delight her fans and those who enjoyed 'It's Not a Rehearsal,' which I recommend for a fuller, more in-depth look at her first sixty-odd years, her career and the many challenges she faced. As with the first one, Amanda's wisdom, compassion and hilarious sense of humour come shining through. 'I'm Still Here' is a delightful read, and illustrated with great photographs, many of which were new to me, and only a few of which were in the previous book.
That said, this is not just a sequel to 'It's Not a Rehearsal,' as she also rehashes a lot from that, without the great detail. Still, a lot the anecdotes are copied word perfect from it. Now, although this at gives background to those who haven't read it or might have forgotten, I felt a little cheated. I have to say I was particularly disappointed with the chapter 'Rovers Regulars.' I went to straight to the chapter only the find that she was unable to provide new anecdotes about the cast she worked with As regular on the show for well over a decade, back when it was actually worth watching, I feel that she could have done better. I fully agree with her about the state of the show these days.
Amanda is rather forthcoming about some of the people she wasn't too keen on working with. One was Leslie Grantham, perhaps best known as 'Dirty Den' in 'EastEnders,' when they appeared in a play shortly after she left 'Coronation Street.' Another was Gordon Ramsey, and she explains, for the first time I think (?) what was going on in 'Hell's Kitchen,' and her frustration which ultimately led to her lashing out at him on camera. She also hints that although they became very close friends, she didn't initially warm to Stephanie Beacham, who played her sidekick in 'Bad Girls,' only because they are two very different types of women. But they made magic together on screen, injecting a lot of comedy into the series. Actually, I would have liked to have read more about 'Bad Girls,' as I did enjoy that show.
Despite my criticisms and disappointment that a lot is rehashed, I could never rate this book anything less than three stars. It's a fun, inspirational read, written in a chatty style. If you like Amanda or autobiographies in general and, if you haven't read her first one, snap it up today. Now, I'd like to know when is this lovely lady going to be honoured for her services to the entertainment industry? She's been a very big name in Britain since the Sixties at least, and yet not even an MBE has been bestowed on her. She's done a lot more in her career than some of the others who've been given the title, as you'll discover.
October 20, 2025
I'm Still Here by Amanda Barrie was given to me by Mirror Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting socio-historical book, really of the mid-twentieth century. Amanda Barrie is, indeed, still here. Famed on Cleo, Coronation Street and popping up on a few ensemble vehicles (reality TV), Barrie recounts a long, long time in showbiz. Plenty of things that I wouldn't have heard of, work-wise, but a great deal of London energy is propelled through this book. From her work as a chorus girl to scoring a few film and TV appearances, Barrie's co-writer, her partner, does a great job of bringing a personalised, conversational tone to the writing. In general, I'd say it's a 3.5 rounded up as I found this biography very readable and Barrie very personable. Plus, I am delighted that she was enthusiastic for Carry on Cleo and her views on soaps were completely correct. She's aware she was in a show in a moment of time that was golddust, but that times change.
An interesting socio-historical book, really of the mid-twentieth century. Amanda Barrie is, indeed, still here. Famed on Cleo, Coronation Street and popping up on a few ensemble vehicles (reality TV), Barrie recounts a long, long time in showbiz. Plenty of things that I wouldn't have heard of, work-wise, but a great deal of London energy is propelled through this book. From her work as a chorus girl to scoring a few film and TV appearances, Barrie's co-writer, her partner, does a great job of bringing a personalised, conversational tone to the writing. In general, I'd say it's a 3.5 rounded up as I found this biography very readable and Barrie very personable. Plus, I am delighted that she was enthusiastic for Carry on Cleo and her views on soaps were completely correct. She's aware she was in a show in a moment of time that was golddust, but that times change.
September 14, 2025
Amanda's been my personal gay icon since I read her first book when I was 13 and deeply closeted, and I've reread it so many times I could probably recite the whole thing. This update/sequel, where she's now been "out" for two decades and happily married to Hilary Bonner for 11 years, has warmed my cold dead heart and made me happy. There's, understandably, a lot from the first book in here but a) I love that book so I don't care and b) the new sections are well worth the read, even if you know the first one as well as I do.
If anyone discovers the secret of eternal life, please give it to Amanda and Hilary, we need them.
If anyone discovers the secret of eternal life, please give it to Amanda and Hilary, we need them.
November 1, 2025
I really liked the way that this book was put together. Starting with anecdotes on recent times before moving back to growing up.
The book is a great read and informs us how times have changed in terms of bigotry. I found the stories about movies and TV and the people associated with them fascinating and it makes you wish in some ways for bygone eras when there was not so much TV and that that we had seemed of a far higher quality.
As an autobiography I thoroughly recommend this book as a great read and I still can not believe Amanda is 90!
The book is a great read and informs us how times have changed in terms of bigotry. I found the stories about movies and TV and the people associated with them fascinating and it makes you wish in some ways for bygone eras when there was not so much TV and that that we had seemed of a far higher quality.
As an autobiography I thoroughly recommend this book as a great read and I still can not believe Amanda is 90!
October 30, 2025
What a fascinating life Amanda Barrie has had! I really enjoyed this, especially the glimpses of showbiz way back in time. Her experiences as a very young child performer and life in Soho as a young woman really show what a different time it was. I enjoyed all the gossip and hearing about the old stars both good and bad. I'm glad Amanda has found happiness in her later years too.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2025
Being a fan of Coronation Street I thought I would buy and read this book and I wasn’t disappointed because not only does she mention her time on Corrie but she also mentions lots about what she did before going into Corrie, not going to mention anymore about what she talks about in her book, but I have to say i did enjoy the book.
October 21, 2025
I found this an interesting read of a person growing up and struggling to reveal her true identity, at times sad and others very entertaining.
Whatever work Amanda done, she always seemed to be ill, but I think people will enjoy the book finding out about what is an amazing career.
Thanks to Netgalley and Mirror Books for the Arc.
Whatever work Amanda done, she always seemed to be ill, but I think people will enjoy the book finding out about what is an amazing career.
Thanks to Netgalley and Mirror Books for the Arc.
October 26, 2025
Having read her previous autobiography it was interesting to read this further update. It is ultimately a tale of success but tinged with a sense of sadness that for such a large part of her life public and private was an act as she felt that there was no alternative in that era. The book touches on everything from the confusion and undiagnosed dyslexia, drugs, mental health and sexuality.
October 20, 2025
I like that it starts straight in the bits you want to know, she starts off talking about her sexuality, Corrie, Bad Girls and her Hell’s kitchen appearance rather than the usual I was born on this date blah blah blah. Doesn’t hold back on the celebrities she didn’t like such as Dirty Den and Courteney Act. The later part of the book is about her early life, her time on stage and Corrie and her later years, I found this part a bit slower to get through.
October 26, 2025
I’ve loved Amanda Barrie ever since I watched her growing up in Corrie and Carry on Cleo. This is the follow-up to her previous book ‘It’s not a rehearsal’,
from almost 25 years ago, and it didn’t disappoint. The first and latter parts of the book are updates containing tales of her escapades over the last 25 years, and most importantly her relationship with her now-wife, Hilary (affectionately known as Hil or Wi-Fi!). The middle of the book is essentially repeated from ‘Its not a rehearsal’, with some edits, updates and inserts. It’s a roller coaster of a read which will have you wanting to smile, laugh and cry all in the space of one page, and her wonderful dry sense of humour will keep you tittering all the way through. The only reason I’m giving this 4 stars and not 5 is the number of very annoying errors in the type face. There are at least 10-12 cases of spelling, punctuation and grammatical mistakes, including misspelling of the name of Lorna Luft. Does nobody proofread anything these days before they go to print?! I’d have thought most publishers would have AI doing all this by now. It’s inexcusably sloppy. Shame on you, Mirror Books.
from almost 25 years ago, and it didn’t disappoint. The first and latter parts of the book are updates containing tales of her escapades over the last 25 years, and most importantly her relationship with her now-wife, Hilary (affectionately known as Hil or Wi-Fi!). The middle of the book is essentially repeated from ‘Its not a rehearsal’, with some edits, updates and inserts. It’s a roller coaster of a read which will have you wanting to smile, laugh and cry all in the space of one page, and her wonderful dry sense of humour will keep you tittering all the way through. The only reason I’m giving this 4 stars and not 5 is the number of very annoying errors in the type face. There are at least 10-12 cases of spelling, punctuation and grammatical mistakes, including misspelling of the name of Lorna Luft. Does nobody proofread anything these days before they go to print?! I’d have thought most publishers would have AI doing all this by now. It’s inexcusably sloppy. Shame on you, Mirror Books.
November 30, 2025
Free courtesy of Netgalley
I have enjoyed watching Amanda on the screen over the years and I was quite interested to pick up this book and learn about her life.
The book did pick up her start into show biz and talked about the clubs, stage shows and TV and films she has been in and it was interesting. The biggest thing for me was there was no depth in anything that was written, just a lot of musings and name dropping. Other than her in-depth internal battle with being Gay, I don't feel I learnt anything about her or her relationships with her co-stars and family.
I struggled to read the book but I did finish it but sorry to say I was a bit bored. Perhaps if I was a bigger fan I would have found it more entertaining but I don't think so as I've read autobiographies of other celebrities that I am not big fans of but enjoyed their stories.
I think Amanda has amazing stories but we need to hear them in depth not just surface facts.
I have enjoyed watching Amanda on the screen over the years and I was quite interested to pick up this book and learn about her life.
The book did pick up her start into show biz and talked about the clubs, stage shows and TV and films she has been in and it was interesting. The biggest thing for me was there was no depth in anything that was written, just a lot of musings and name dropping. Other than her in-depth internal battle with being Gay, I don't feel I learnt anything about her or her relationships with her co-stars and family.
I struggled to read the book but I did finish it but sorry to say I was a bit bored. Perhaps if I was a bigger fan I would have found it more entertaining but I don't think so as I've read autobiographies of other celebrities that I am not big fans of but enjoyed their stories.
I think Amanda has amazing stories but we need to hear them in depth not just surface facts.
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