Inside Hannah Waddingham's whirlwind year - Eurovision Queen to Xmas ad chaos
It seems 2023 has been quite a year for actress Hannah Waddingham, who turns 50 in July.
The Ted Lasso star, who is a graduate of London's Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, made her West End Debt in 2000 in Lautrec, before working with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton for four years in The Beautiful Game. Countless stage roles followed, before the mother-of-one became a star of the screen too in 2011.
That year, Hannah appeared in the BBC sitcom, Not Going Out, before she landed a small part in 2012's Les Misérables and a main role in ITV's Benidorm two years later. Further credits of note include her roles in Game of Thrones (as Septa Unella) and Netflix's Sex Education series (Sophia Marchetti).
It's been a whirlwind year for the actress (Alamy/PA)
Hannah's own Christmas TV special will air later this yearHannah's Rebecca Welton role in the aforementioned Ted Lasso earned her many plaudits, and more importantly the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series gong in 2021 and the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series award in both 2021 and 2022.
Eurovision glam
Hannah proved an excellent Eurovision final co-host alongside Graham Norton (AFP via Getty Images)Her success prompted the BBC to install her as the co-host of the Eurovision Song Contest this year, which was held in Liverpool. The star was joined by Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, with regular host Graham Norton joining the trio for the final.
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The event saw Hannnah wow in a shimmery purple off the shoulder floor length dress and loose waves in her blonde hair. Viewers were quick to gush over the actress as one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Hannah Waddingham is an absolute queen."
Another gushed: "Hannah Waddingham's dress is glorious!!" whilst a third added: "Big fan of Hannah Waddingham and her dress." Hannah risked not being invited back in the future, however, after hitting out at music bosses during the event.
Her remark came after Austria's performance on the big night, which was said to be a hit back at music streaming sites. Following the number, sung by Teya & Salena, Hannah remarked: "By the way, please let's never forget that a song starts with a writer and a dream and look what they create for us all. Let's hear it for the songwriters."
Christmas Queen
Hannah Waddingham as the Christmas face of Baileys (YouTube/Baileys)Baileys launched its Christmas campaign earlier this month, with Hannah fronting the Original Irish Cream's festive advert as the conductor of the Gold Vocal Collective Choir. The ad begins with a gorgeous looking Hannah suggesting the choir takes a break for a Baileys after performing an acapella during which a 'Choctail' is made.
Hannah adds: "Christmas is my favourite part of the year; a time to get together with my friends and family and indulge in our own festive traditions. From nights out with friends to the much-needed catch-ups with family around the kitchen table, with spontaneous cocktails to cosy evenings by the fire, it’s a time to break away from the routine and enjoy all the festive fun. Who better to partner with for Christmas than the most festive adult treat - Baileys!"
Hannah has also starred in M&S' somewhat controversial campaign, meanwhile, which had to be pulled initially for political reasons. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Dawn French, its Instagram post declared: "This Christmas, do only what you love...like saying no to paper hats".
However, the post drew heavy criticism from followers who noticed the burning hats which were the colours of the Palestinian flag. Social media users branded it "insensitive" and "disgusting" in light of the current crisis in Gaza. After responding to the backlash, its TV ad proved a big success, with Hannah featuring alongside Queer Eye star Tan France as the pair jokingly shun festive traditions they dislike.
Hannah is also set to star in her very own Christmas special launching just in time for the festive season. In Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas, the Emmy-winning star will ring in the holidays as she welcomes special guests for a musical extravaganza.
Premiering exclusively on Apple TV+, the new musical event will feature dazzling performances and musical numbers from Waddingham. The special has been recorded live in front of an audience at the London Coliseum and fans around the world will be able to join the Eurovision ‘queen’ in celebrating her favourite time of year.
Home for Christmas viewers can get in the festive spirit as Waddingham performs a host of holiday classics accompanied by a spectacular big band, in what the actress promises to be an "epic" occasion. Speaking to Inside The Film Room earlier this year, she said: "Apple don’t do things by halves, it’s going to be pretty bloomin’ epic."
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What's next?
Hannah has big plans for 2024 (Marks and Spencer)It appears next will be just as exciting as 2023. For Hannah has landed a role in The Fall Guy alongside Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. She will also be providing voiceover work for The Garfield Movie, which stars Chris Pratt as the title character and Samuel L. Jackson as Garfield's dad.
In 2025, meanwhile, Hannah will feature in the eight installment of Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible movie franchise - the title of which is yet to be revealed.
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