Sue Johnston

Acting

Sue Johnston

Born December 7, 1943 · Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK (age 82)

Susan Johnston, OBE (née Wright; born 7 December 1943) is an English actress known for playing Sheila Grant in the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside (1982–1990), Barbara Royle in the BBC comedy The Royle Family (1998–2000, 2006, 2008–2010, 2012), Grace Foley in the BBC drama Waking the Dead (2000–2011), Gloria Price in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street (2012–2014) and Miss Denker in the ITV drama …

Known For

Fackham HallFackham Hall · 2025
Fackham Hall
6.72025
MovieComedy
A new servant embarks on an unlikely relationship with the youngest daughter of a prominent English family. Simultaneously, rivalries are spilling over in the Davenport family, led by the Lord and Lady as they also weather the epic failure of the wedding of their eldest daughter to her caddish cousin.
Downton Abbey: A New EraDownton Abbey: A New Era · 2022
Downton Abbey: A New Era
7.22022
MovieDramaRomance
The Crawley family goes on a grand journey to the south of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess's newly inherited villa. Meanwhile, a Hollywood director seeks to film his latest production at Downton.
Imagine Me & YouImagine Me & You · 2006
Imagine Me & You
7.62006
MovieDramaComedy
During her wedding ceremony, Rachel notices Luce in the audience and feels instantly drawn to her. The two women become close friends, and when Rachel learns that Luce is a lesbian, she realizes that despite her happy marriage to Heck, she is falling for Luce. As she questions her sexual orientation, Rachel must decide between her stable relationship with Heck and her exhilarating new romance with Luce.
Welcome to BoroviaWelcome to Borovia · 2026
Welcome to Borovia
2026
MovieComedy
Harry Enfield heads a brilliant cast in this quirky political comedy where plots, counterplots and seduction flourish in faraway Borovia.
LaplandLapland · 2011
Lapland
2011
Movie
Recently widowed Eileen Lewis,son Pete and his wife Mandy and daughter Paula with her spouse Ray,plus the grandchildren, leave Birkenhead to spend Christmas in Lapland.
StuffedStuffed · 2025
Stuffed
6.02025
MovieComedyTV Movie
The Farooqis have an unforgettable Christmas when a surprise bonus leads to a Lapland holiday, but things go downhill fast after a disastrous discovery.
Bitter HarvestBitter Harvest · 1992
Bitter Harvest
1992
MovieThrillerDrama
A young black British woman goes to the Dominican Republic as an aid worker. When she goes missing, her parents make an emotional journey to piece together her story.
Brassed OffBrassed Off · 1996
Brassed Off
7.01996
MovieComedyRomance
A Yorkshire coal mine is threatened with closure and the only hope is for the men to enter their Grimley Colliery Brass Band into a national competition. They believe they have no hope until Gloria appears carrying her Flugelhorn. At first mocked for being a woman, she soon becomes the only chance for the band to win.

Movies

Fackham HallFackham Hall · 2025
Fackham Hall
6.72025
MovieComedy
A new servant embarks on an unlikely relationship with the youngest daughter of a prominent English family. Simultaneously, rivalries are spilling over in the Davenport family, led by the Lord and Lady as they also weather the epic failure of the wedding of their eldest daughter to her caddish cousin.
Downton Abbey: A New EraDownton Abbey: A New Era · 2022
Downton Abbey: A New Era
7.22022
MovieDramaRomance
The Crawley family goes on a grand journey to the south of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess's newly inherited villa. Meanwhile, a Hollywood director seeks to film his latest production at Downton.
Imagine Me & YouImagine Me & You · 2006
Imagine Me & You
7.62006
MovieDramaComedy
During her wedding ceremony, Rachel notices Luce in the audience and feels instantly drawn to her. The two women become close friends, and when Rachel learns that Luce is a lesbian, she realizes that despite her happy marriage to Heck, she is falling for Luce. As she questions her sexual orientation, Rachel must decide between her stable relationship with Heck and her exhilarating new romance with Luce.
Welcome to BoroviaWelcome to Borovia · 2026
Welcome to Borovia
2026
MovieComedy
Harry Enfield heads a brilliant cast in this quirky political comedy where plots, counterplots and seduction flourish in faraway Borovia.
LaplandLapland · 2011
Lapland
2011
Movie
Recently widowed Eileen Lewis,son Pete and his wife Mandy and daughter Paula with her spouse Ray,plus the grandchildren, leave Birkenhead to spend Christmas in Lapland.
StuffedStuffed · 2025
Stuffed
6.02025
MovieComedyTV Movie
The Farooqis have an unforgettable Christmas when a surprise bonus leads to a Lapland holiday, but things go downhill fast after a disastrous discovery.
Bitter HarvestBitter Harvest · 1992
Bitter Harvest
1992
MovieThrillerDrama
A young black British woman goes to the Dominican Republic as an aid worker. When she goes missing, her parents make an emotional journey to piece together her story.
Brassed OffBrassed Off · 1996
Brassed Off
7.01996
MovieComedyRomance
A Yorkshire coal mine is threatened with closure and the only hope is for the men to enter their Grimley Colliery Brass Band into a national competition. They believe they have no hope until Gloria appears carrying her Flugelhorn. At first mocked for being a woman, she soon becomes the only chance for the band to win.
There's Only One Paul McCartneyThere's Only One Paul McCartney · 2002
There's Only One Paul McCartney
8.02002
MovieDocumentaryMusic
An affectionate portrait of the man and the musician in a week that sees the ex-Beatie playing at the Buckingham Palace concert. With contributions from Bono, Mike Myers , Dustin Hoffman , Meryl Streep , Cilia Black, Bob Geldof , Dale Winton , Travis and Richard Branson
Big WinnersBig Winners · 2025
Big Winners
2025
MovieTV MovieDrama
A story about Edith and Arthur Thistle – for fifty-three years, they have managed to get by—never rich, never extravagant, but always together. That all changes in an instant when they win fourteen million pounds in the lottery. Arthur dreams of spending big, finally tasting the high life. But before the celebrations can begin, Edith drops a bombshell: she wants a divorce. Big Winners is about opportunity, who gets to seize the day and who gets left behind. A thrilling, funny, deeply emotional exploration of lives lived, and lives missed.
The Royle Family: Barbara's Old RingThe Royle Family: Barbara's Old Ring · 2012
The Royle Family: Barbara's Old Ring
7.02012
MovieComedy
Christmas is coming but Barbara is not happy. Not only has she lost her wedding ring but Jim has won on a scratch card she found down the back of the sofa whilst looking for the ring and has kept quiet about his hundred pounds winnings. Nor is he especially sympathetic about Dave's impotency problem, though the entire Royle family unite to help recently widowed Joe from next door enjoy a restaurant-style evening in their house with the equally scatty Philomena, whom he has met through a want ad. On Christmas Day Barbara lashes out at Jim for his laziness and juvenile antics - though his description of a busty barmaid cures Dave's problem. However she is in for a pleasant surprise when she discovers just how he spent his scratch card winnings.
The Turn of the ScrewThe Turn of the Screw · 2009
The Turn of the Screw
4.72009
MovieThrillerDrama
In a mid-19th century Essex country house, a young governess for two children becomes convinced that the house and grounds are haunted by ghosts and that the children are being possessed.
HelpHelp · 2021
Help
7.02021
MovieDrama
Sarah seems to have found her calling working in a Liverpool care home where she has a special talent for connecting with the residents. Then, in March 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic hits.
The Royle Family: Joe's CrackersThe Royle Family: Joe's Crackers · 2010
The Royle Family: Joe's Crackers
7.22010
MovieComedy
It is Christmas Day in the Royle household and Barbara is up to her eyes in it, as Jim is out of action following an unfortunate incident in the precinct while Dave and Denise are feeling the effects of the recession the most, and worry that Anthony's lavish gifts will eclipse their gift of a fridge magnet.
Golden YearsGolden Years · 2016
Golden Years
6.32016
MovieCrimeComedy
Fate, the pensions crisis and a steadfast refusal to accept the injustice of old age have contrived to force law abiding, retired couple, Arthur and Martha Goode into a life of crime.
The Royle Family: The New SofaThe Royle Family: The New Sofa · 2008
The Royle Family: The New Sofa
7.72008
Movie
Festive special edition of the hit family sitcom. Inspired by Nigella Lawson, Denise decides to cook Christmas dinner for the family. Jim provides the yuletide log and, much to his dismay, Dave's mum and dad are invited to join the festivities.
New Year's DayNew Year's Day · 2001
New Year's Day
5.32001
MovieDrama
Two 17-year-old boys mark the new year by doing twelve dangerous but exciting tasks set for them by their friends.
The Royle Family - Down the Back of the SofaThe Royle Family - Down the Back of the Sofa · 2023
The Royle Family - Down the Back of the Sofa
2023
Movie
A refreshed version of the 2010 documentary, this 2023 programme features new interviews from celebrity fans to link in with the 25th anniversary of the sitcom.
FaceFace · 1997
Face
6.31997
MovieCrimeDrama
Ray is an aging ex-socialist who has become a bankrobber after seeing the demise of socialism in 1980s Britain. Teaming up with a gang of other has-beenish crims, he commits one bank job too many. The gang dissolves in a murderous flurry of recriminations.
Death on the TyneDeath on the Tyne · 2018
Death on the Tyne
5.82018
MovieComedyCrime
Draper's Tours are taking Mildred and her care home friends on an overnight ferry trip from North Shields to Amsterdam, where things will quickly turn turbulent as the passengers and crew begin to get bumped off one-by-one. Throughout it all, Terry is still desperate to pop the question to Gemma, even if the circumstances are less than romantic.
Walk Like a PantherWalk Like a Panther · 2018
Walk Like a Panther
6.22018
MovieComedy
A group of 1980s wrestlers are forced to don the lycra once last time when their beloved local pub is threatened with closure.
The Virgin MaryThe Virgin Mary · 2002
The Virgin Mary
2002
MovieDocumentary
In BBC ONE's The Virgin Mary, dramatic reconstructions and stunning visual effects are combined with the latest findings from historians and New Testament scholars to recreate the story of this remarkable woman. Presented by actress Sue Johnston, The Virgin Mary explores the history behind the miraculous Bible story to reveal the living, breathing mother of Christianity. The picture that emerges is very different from that of popular belief – the serene young woman, dressed in blue silken robes, was largely a creation of later writers and Renaissance painters.
Measure for MeasureMeasure for Measure · 1994
Measure for Measure
3.31994
MovieDramaTV Movie
Modern dress adaptation of Shakespeare's play.
Preaching to the PervertedPreaching to the Perverted · 1997
Preaching to the Perverted
6.11997
MovieComedyDrama
A computer wizard infiltrates a London sex club to get evidence for a shutdown, but falls for the proprietress.

TV Shows

BrooksideBrookside · 1982
Brookside
6.21982
SeriesDrama
The ground-breaking soap set in a housing estate on the outskirts of Liverpool.
Downton AbbeyDownton Abbey · 2010
Downton Abbey
8.12010
SeriesDrama
A chronicle of the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy.
TodayToday · 1952
Today
5.71952
Series
Today is a daily American morning television show that airs on NBC. The program debuted on January 14, 1952. It was the first of its genre on American television and in the world, and is the fifth-longest running American television series. Originally a two-hour program on weekdays, it expanded to Sundays in 1987 and Saturdays in 1992. The weekday broadcast expanded to three hours in 2000, and to four hours in 2007. Today's dominance was virtually unchallenged by the other networks until the late 1980s, when it was overtaken by ABC's Good Morning America. Today retook the Nielsen ratings lead the week of December 11, 1995, and held onto that position for 852 consecutive weeks until the week of April 9, 2012, when it was beaten by Good Morning America yet again. In 2002, Today was ranked #17 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest Television Shows of All Time.
A Touch of FrostA Touch of Frost · 1992
A Touch of Frost
7.51992
SeriesDramaCrime
Jack Frost is a gritty, dogged and unconventional detective with sympathy for the underdog and an instinct for moral justice who attracts trouble like a magnet. Despite some animosity with his superintendent, Norman “Horn-rimmed Harry” Mullett, Frost and his ever-changing roster of assistants manage to solve cases via his clever mind, good heart, and cool touch.
Loose WomenLoose Women · 1999
Loose Women
3.41999
Series
A panel of four women discuss topical issues, ranging from daily politics and current affairs to celebrity gossip.
Strictly Come DancingStrictly Come Dancing · 2004
Strictly Come Dancing
6.02004
Series
A dance competition where celebrities compete to be crowned the winner. Who is kicked out of the competition each week is decided by the judges scores and viewer votes. Are today's celebrities fleet of foot or do they have two left feet?
Inspector MorseInspector Morse · 1987
Inspector Morse
7.91987
SeriesCrimeDrama
Inspector Morse is a detective drama based on Colin Dexter's series of Chief Inspector Morse novels. The series starred John Thaw as Chief Inspector Morse and Kevin Whately as Sergeant Lewis, as well as a large cast of notable actors and actresses.
Waking the DeadWaking the Dead · 2001
Waking the Dead
7.22001
SeriesCrimeMystery
A detective team apply new techniques to old crimes as they solve cold cases.
HollyoaksHollyoaks · 1995
Hollyoaks
5.21995
Series
The daily soap that follows the loves, lives and misdemeanours of a group of people living in the Chester village of Hollyoaks where anything could, and frequently does, happen...
Would I Lie to You?Would I Lie to You? · 2007
Would I Lie to You?
7.82007
SeriesComedy
A comedic panel show featuring team captains Lee Mack and David Mitchell plus two guests per side, hosted by Rob Brydon (formerly Angus Deayton). Each person must reveal embarrassing facts and outrageous lies during a series of different rounds including "Home Truths", "This Is My..." and "Quickfire Lies". It is up to the opposing team to tell tall tales from fantastic facts.
ParkinsonParkinson · 1998
Parkinson
1998
Series
Michael Parkinson returns for a second run of his iconic talk show.
Celebrity Antiques Road TripCelebrity Antiques Road Trip · 2011
Celebrity Antiques Road Trip
6.02011
Series
Antiques experts accompany celebrities on a road trip around the UK searching for treasures and competing to make the most money at auction
The Paul O'Grady ShowThe Paul O'Grady Show · 2004
The Paul O'Grady Show
5.12004
SeriesComedy
The Paul O'Grady Show is a British comedy chat show hosted by Birkenhead-born comedian Paul O'Grady. The format was originally devised by Granada Television and was broadcast on ITV before moving to Channel 4, where the show was produced by Olga TV. The programme is a teatime chat show consisting of a mixture of celebrity guests, comic stunts, musical performances, and occasionally viewer competitions.
Who Do You Think You Are?Who Do You Think You Are? · 2004
Who Do You Think You Are?
7.02004
SeriesDocumentaryFamily
A British genealogy documentary series in which celebrities trace their ancestry, discovering secrets and surprises from their past.
PerformancePerformance · 1991
Performance
6.31991
SeriesDrama
An anthology series of various plays and dramatic performances.
Celebrity GoggleboxCelebrity Gogglebox · 2019
Celebrity Gogglebox
6.62019
Series
A rolling cast of famous faces, some of Britain's best loved personalities, turn their hand to being the country's most opinionated viewers, sharing their opinions on what they have been watching during the week.
ScreenPlayScreenPlay · 1986
ScreenPlay
6.01986
SeriesDrama
Screenplay was a drama anthology television series, broadcast on BBC between 1986 and 1993. Numerous episodes were produced including one named "Boswell and Johnson's Tour of the Western Islands" starring Robbie Coltrane as English writer Samuel Johnson who in the autumn of 1773, visits the Hebrides off the north-west coast of Scotland. That episode was directed by John Byrne and co-starred John Sessions and Celia Imrie.
TimeshiftTimeshift · 2002
Timeshift
7.02002
SeriesDocumentary
Documentary series which ranges widely over Britain's social and cultural history, its narrative-led storytelling offering a richly immersive and varied window onto the past.
Jam and JerusalemJam and Jerusalem · 2006
Jam and Jerusalem
7.12006
SeriesComedy
The Women's Guild is an organisation in the small town of Clatterford St. Mary that aims to promote truth, justice, tolerance and fellowship. Or maybe it's just an excuse for good, old-fashioned gossip. Regardless, meetings feature discussions and visiting speakers. The Guild is the center of life in Clatterford, which has a good cross-section of people, local shops and a late-night convenience store.
Hetty Wainthropp InvestigatesHetty Wainthropp Investigates · 1996
Hetty Wainthropp Investigates
7.31996
SeriesDramaCrime
Instead of spending her golden years lying down, the indomitable Hetty Wainthropp found her calling late in life. Combining common sense, her husband, and her pocketbook, this senior sleuth takes on all the cases the police deem too minor.
Cutting ItCutting It · 2002
Cutting It
7.02002
SeriesDramaComedy
Allie Henshall and Gavin Ferraday are partners in love and business. They own Henshall Ferraday hair salon, where Allie's sisters Darcey and Sydney work alongside them. As Allie and Gavin consider taking over a vacant property across the road, they are rocked by the news that a rival hairdresser has bought it. To make matters worse, Allie discovers that the new salon, Blade Runner, is run by her ex, Finn, and his wife, Mia Bevan. Finn fathered the child Allie claimed to have aborted. He left her when he found out she was pregnant, but he's back in town to try and woo Allie.
TimeTime · 2021
Time
7.62021
SeriesDrama
Guilt, violence and impossible choices – what does it take to survive? Tense, gritty and heartbreaking – Jimmy McGovern's award-winning prison drama, with an all-star cast.
The ResponderThe Responder · 2022
The Responder
7.02022
SeriesDramaCrime
Under pressure, fraying at the edges. In relentless night-time Liverpool, copper Chris is paired with a rookie. Will they save or destroy each other?
Little DorritLittle Dorrit · 2008
Little Dorrit
7.82008
SeriesDrama
Amy Dorrit spends her days earning money for the family and looking after her proud father who is a long term inmate of Marshalsea debtors' prison in London. Amy and her family's world is transformed when her employer's son, Arthur Clennam, returns from overseas to solve his family's mysterious legacy and discovers that their lives are interlinked.