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Monica Dolan has captured the nation’s attention once again, this time through her heartfelt appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. The accomplished actress shared her profound pride in the Post Office campaigners who fought tirelessly for justice, marking another chapter in what has been an extraordinary year for the 56-year-old performer.
Speaking with presenter Lauren Laverne, Monica Dolan revealed how she fell in love with acting at school, describing the feeling as something she “didn’t get from anywhere else”. Her journey from a working-class Irish family in Middlesbrough to becoming one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses demonstrates the power of determination and exceptional talent.
A Historic BAFTA Double
Monica Dolan has achieved something remarkable in 2025 – becoming the first actress this decade to receive two BAFTA TV nominations in a single year. Her dual nominations recognise her outstanding performances in both “Mr Bates vs The Post Office” as Leading Actress and “Sherwood” as Supporting Actress. This unprecedented achievement highlights her extraordinary range and the impact of her recent work.
The double nomination represents more than personal success. It acknowledges Monica Dolan’s ability to tackle vastly different roles within the same timeframe. She filmed both productions simultaneously, creating what she described as a “logistical conundrum”. One Sunday evening, she wrapped filming “Mr Bates” in Kent at 8pm, then travelled overnight to Skegness to begin shooting “Sherwood” the following morning.
The Post Office Scandal’s Human Face
Monica Dolan’s portrayal of Jo Hamilton in “Mr Bates vs The Post Office” has been widely praised for bringing humanity to one of Britain’s greatest miscarriages of justice. The ITV drama, which became 2024’s most-watched television programme, told the devastating story of subpostmasters wrongly prosecuted due to faulty Horizon computer software.
Her meticulous preparation for the role involved asking the real Jo Hamilton to record her life story. This 15-minute recording became an invaluable resource, allowing Monica Dolan to absorb Hamilton’s voice and background before filming began. The actress described this technique as particularly helpful, explaining how she could “listen to her voice” and have “her background in my head” during preparation.
The drama’s impact extended far beyond entertainment. Following its broadcast, over 1.2 million people signed a petition demanding Paula Vennells return her CBE. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced new legislation to swiftly exonerate and compensate those wrongly convicted. Monica Dolan expressed her immense pride in people’s collective anger about the scandal, demonstrating how television drama can drive real social change.
Sherwood’s Sinister Matriarch
Monica Dolan’s transformation into Ann Branson in “Sherwood” series two showcased her remarkable versatility. Critics and viewers alike praised her chilling portrayal of the ice-cold, psychopathic mother seeking revenge for her son’s murder. Social media buzzed with praise for her menacing performance, with one viewer noting how “Monica Dolan is menacing even delivering a line about steaming vegetables”.
The challenge of switching between Jo Hamilton’s Hampshire accent and Ann Branson’s Nottingham dialect proved particularly demanding. Monica Dolan typically maintains her character’s accent throughout filming, but the overlapping productions required constant adjustment. She described Nottingham as “a pretty difficult accent” that incorporates sounds from various regions due to its central location.
A Career Built on Complexity
Monica Dolan’s career has been defined by her willingness to tackle challenging, often unsympathetic characters. Her BAFTA-winning portrayal of serial killer Rosemary West in “Appropriate Adult” (2011) remains a career-defining performance. The role required extensive research, including studying trial transcripts and psychological profiles, which occasionally crept into her nightmares.
Her stage work has been equally impressive. Monica Dolan won an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress for “All About Eve” in 2019. She also wrote and starred in the award-winning one-woman play “The B*easts” at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which later transferred to London.
Recent television appearances have demonstrated her range further. From the comedy “W1A” as the perpetually pessimistic Tracey Pritchard to the drama “The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe” as Anne Darwin, Monica Dolan consistently delivers compelling performances across genres.
Early Life and Training
Born in Middlesbrough to Irish parents, Monica Dolan grew up in a family of scientists. Her mother was a botanist who became a teacher, whilst her father worked as a chemical engineer. Despite the scientific household, her parents proved extraordinarily supportive of her theatrical ambitions. They even practised driving routes to audition venues twice to ensure punctuality.
After training at London’s prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 1991, Monica Dolan quickly established herself in television. Early roles in “The Bill,” “Judge John Deed,” and various period dramas built her reputation as a reliable character actress with exceptional range.
Personal tragedy has shaped her perspective. Monica Dolan lost her sister to cancer in 2008 and her brother to Covid-19 in 2020. These experiences informed her understanding of grief and loss, qualities that often surface in her more emotional performances.
Industry Concerns and Future Prospects
Monica Dolan has spoken candidly about the television industry’s current challenges. She believes the sector is “plagued by fear” due to funding cuts, arguing that “creativity has to come from risk, belief and bravery”. Her success with “Mr Bates vs The Post Office” demonstrates how specific, locally-focused stories can achieve global resonance.
Looking ahead, Monica Dolan continues to choose projects that challenge both herself and audiences. Her commitment to thorough character research and willingness to inhabit complex personalities ensures her continued relevance in British drama.
Conclusion
Monica Dolan’s remarkable 2025 journey from dual BAFTA nominations to heartfelt Desert Island Discs revelations confirms her status as one of Britain’s finest actresses. Her ability to bring humanity to difficult characters, combined with meticulous preparation and fearless performance choices, makes her an invaluable contributor to British television and theatre.
As she continues to tackle challenging roles whilst advocating for creative bravery in the industry, Monica Dolan remains a compelling figure whose work consistently elevates British drama to new heights.
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