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Carol Harrison
Carol Harrison
Carol Harrison
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Carol Harrison (born 8th June 1954) is an English actress and writer. She is known mostly for her work on British television, in particular her role as Louise Raymond in BBC's EastEnders.

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Harrison made her acting debut in 1976, in the BBC police drama, Softly Softly, which was a spin-off from an earlier show, Z-Cars. In 1980 she made her film debut, securing a minor role in the 1980 adaptation of The Elephant Man. She went on to appear in a number of television programmes including The Gentle Touch (1982); Q.E.D. (1982); The Cleopatras (1983); Minder (1984); Casualty (1987, 1996 & 2008); Dorothy in London's Burning from 1988 to 1989; Kavanagh QC (1995); The Bill (1995) and ITV's A Touch of Frost (1997).

One of her most notable and long running roles, was playing the part of Gloria in the BBC sitcom Brush Strokes (1986–1991); remaining in the role for five series. However, it is her role in the BBC soap opera EastEnders (1998–1999) that she is most remembered for. Harrison played Louise Raymond, the selfish mother of Tiffany (Martine McCutcheon) and Simon (Andrew Lynford). Harrison's character was involved in several storylines, including an affair with her daughter's husband Grant (Ross Kemp). This role was not the first time Harrison had appeared in the soap. She had previously had an earlier role in 1986, playing the mother of a young boy who was rescued from a speeding lorry by Andy O'Brien (Ross Davidson).

Harrison left EastEnders in 1999 so she could take a master's degree in screenwriting. In 2006 she began teaching Script and Screen at Brighton Film School.

Harrison's other acting credits include the films Tank Malling (1989) and Human Traffic (1999), and the ITV police drama The Bill (1995 & 2002). In 2005 she also took part in the Channel 4 series Extreme Celebrity Detox.

She took part in TV series Celebrity Coach Trip partnered with friend Ingrid Tarrant.[1]

In 2016, Harrison wrote and produced the mod musical All or Nothing, based on the life of Steve Marriott, of whom she had been a fan since 1965 when he appeared with the Small Faces at a concert in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Her musical toured around the country in 2016 and 2017, receiving positive reviews, before closing early after a short run at the Ambassadors Theatre in London's West End.[2][citation needed]. The show was revived after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, with the cast undertaking a nationwide tour.

Personal life

[edit]

Harrison was born in Chatham not long after she was born her father Vic left and Carol was raised in West Ham in a working class, single parent family by her mother Frances.[3] She failed her 11-plus exams in her youth and later discovered that she is dyslexic.[3] Harrison was once married to the actor Jamie Foreman, son of the 1960s London gangster Freddie Foreman.[4] They have a son named Alfie.[5]

References

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Carol Harrison

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from Grokipedia
Carol Harrison (born 8 February 1955) is an English actress, writer, director, and educator known primarily for her portrayal of the passionate and fiery Louise Raymond in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Harrison began her acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in notable films such as Quadrophenia (1979), where she played a biker girl, and The Elephant Man (1980). Her television work spans decades, including roles like Gloria in the ITV sitcom Brush Strokes (1986–1991) and Moff's mum in the cult film Human Traffic (1999). On stage, she has performed at prestigious venues like the National Theatre and Royal Court, and she co-founded the Half Moon Theatre in East London. In addition to acting, Harrison is an accomplished screenwriter with an MA in screenwriting from the (2001); she has contributed to major British TV dramas and developed the feature film . She created and starred in All or Nothing: The Mod Musical, a production about the band that premiered in 2016, toured the , and had a West End run. Currently, she lectures in screenwriting and acting and serves as creative director at Brighton Film School.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Carol Harrison was born on 8 February 1955 in , . She was raised primarily in , , by her single mother, Frances, after her father, Victor Harrison, an alcoholic, abandoned the family when she was six years old. Along with her older sister , Harrison witnessed frequent arguments between her volatile mother and father during her early years, contributing to an unstable home environment marked by emotional turmoil. Harrison's upbringing was quintessentially working-class in post-war East London, where the family resided on tough council estates amid widespread and social challenges. Her mother, Frances, who struggled with issues including depression and , yet economic hardships persisted through the 1950s and 1960s, a period of and rebuilding in Britain that exacerbated daily struggles with and limited opportunities. These conditions, compounded by her mother's issues, led Harrison to attempt at age 18. They fostered a sense of resilience in Harrison, shaped by the gritty realities of her surroundings and her mother's determination to keep the family together despite adversity. From a young age, Harrison found solace and inspiration in the through local community activities in the East End, including joining a youth group at age 11, which provided an early outlet for her imaginative escape from hardship. This exposure, combined with the vibrant cultural storytelling traditions of her working-class community, ignited her passion for performance and laid the groundwork for her future career.

Educational challenges and dyslexia diagnosis

Carol Harrison encountered substantial difficulties in her school years due to undiagnosed , which manifested as struggles with reading and writing that were frequently dismissed as laziness by teachers and peers. Growing up in the , she often found herself isolated at the back of the classroom, where her learning challenges went unrecognized and unsupported, contributing to low academic achievement and a sense of inadequacy. In a 2023 , Harrison recalled how her young English teacher provided crucial encouragement by praising her skills, helping her begin to view her dyslexia not as a deficit but as a unique way of thinking that fostered creativity. These early educational setbacks had lasting effects on Harrison's self-perception, reinforcing feelings of limitation that influenced her initial career choices and fueled a determination to succeed in fields where her strengths could shine, such as . Despite leaving without qualifications, she persisted in pursuing performance opportunities through youth , where her imaginative abilities were valued over traditional demands. The persistent literacy issues from her school days continued into adulthood, ultimately leading to a formal diagnosis later in life, which provided clarity on her lifelong challenges and enabled her to develop strategies for overcoming them. Harrison's diagnosis came at a pivotal time, coinciding with her transition to writing and production work, and it empowered her to achieve higher education milestones, including an MA in from the . Reflecting on her experiences in a 2025 Sunday Express interview, she stated, “I struggled at school with and wanted to prove myself,” highlighting how the condition shaped her resilience and drive to redefine her potential beyond academic metrics. This late recognition not only resolved years of self-doubt but also informed her advocacy for .

Acting career

Early roles and breakthrough

Harrison began her professional acting career in the early , immersing herself in the vibrant scene in . She toured Britain and with the radical Company, gaining experience in experimental productions that emphasized new writing and social themes. As a founder member of the Half Moon Theatre in East 's Stepney, she contributed to its mission of community-focused performances, honing her skills in intimate, politically charged work during the late . Her television debut came in 1976 with a guest role as Lynn Haynes in the episode "Say It with Flowers" of the police drama Softly, Softly: Task Force, a spin-off of the long-running . This appearance marked her entry into screen acting, where she portrayed supporting characters in early roles that built her visibility in British television. Subsequent guest spots, such as in the 1977 adaptation of Arnold Wesker's The Kitchen as Hettie and in 's Nipper as Vera, further showcased her versatility in dramatic ensemble pieces. Harrison achieved her breakthrough in 1986 with the role of Gloria, the ditzy wife of decorator Reg, in the sitcom . Spanning five series until 1991, the show featured her in a recurring capacity across 12 episodes, where her comedic timing and portrayal of the bubbly, naive character earned her widespread recognition as a comedic . This role solidified her presence in mainstream , contrasting her earlier dramatic roots and opening doors to further high-profile opportunities.

Television work

Harrison's most notable television role came in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, where she portrayed from May 1998 to April 1999. As the estranged mother of Tiffany Mitchell (played by ) and Simon Raymond (Andrew Lynford), Louise arrived in seeking to rebuild family ties amid ongoing tensions. Her character became central to dramatic storylines involving intense family conflicts, particularly after an affair with Tiffany's husband, (Ross Kemp), which shattered the marriage and contributed to Tiffany's departure from the show. This plotline escalated tensions within the , including confrontations that highlighted Louise's manipulative tendencies and strained relationships with key figures like Grant's brother . Throughout her time on , Harrison faced significant challenges on set, describing a toxic environment marked by , , and from producers. She claimed the pressure to conform to scripted portrayals of her as an "older" led to emotional distress, including blackouts and a near-suicidal state, ultimately resulting in an emotional breakdown after seven intense meetings with executives. Harrison later expressed regret over the role, stating it typecast her as a mature, undesirable figure and stalled her career, making it difficult to secure diverse parts afterward. Beyond , Harrison made recurring appearances in the ITV police drama across the 1990s and 2000s, playing multiple characters such as Angie Weller in the 2002 episode "Loose Cannon," Lou Pownall, Sally West, and Sylvie Hines in various installments. These roles showcased her versatility in ensemble crime procedural formats, often portraying strong-willed women entangled in criminal investigations. Harrison also featured in guest spots on other prominent BBC and ITV series during this period. In Casualty, she appeared as Pam Kemp in a 2007 storyline involving a coroner's inquest, alongside earlier roles like Susan Newman and Julie Taylor in the late 1990s. She played Peggy Sue in the 2000 episode of Doctors and returned for Sonia Fox in 2009, contributing to medical drama narratives focused on personal crises. Additionally, in the 2000 ITV drama Between Two Women, Harrison had a supporting role as a bus passenger, adding to her portfolio of character-driven television appearances. These engagements demonstrated her adaptability in both soap operas and episodic dramas, building on her earlier success in series like Brush Strokes.

Film appearances

Harrison's contributions to cinema were modest compared to her television work, with a focus on supporting roles in British productions during the 1970s to 1990s. Her film debut came in the mod culture drama Quadrophenia (1979), where she appeared uncredited as a biker girl. This was followed by a minor role as the Tart in David Lynch's critically acclaimed drama The Elephant Man (1980), in a brief but atmospheric scene amid the film's exploration of Victorian-era exploitation and humanity. She later appeared in Loose Connections (1983) as Kay, a featuring two women on a comedic journey across . In 1989, Harrison appeared in the gritty crime thriller Tank Malling, directed by James Marcus, taking on the role of Sonia, a key figure in the story of corruption and vice in London's underworld. The film starred as the hard-nosed investigative reporter Tank Malling, with Harrison's performance adding to the ensemble's raw depiction of moral decay and police intrigue. Harrison's filmography culminated in a notable supporting turn in (1999), a comedy-drama written and directed by Justin Kerrigan that captured the exuberant energy of Welsh club culture and youth escapism. She played Moff's Mother, providing a grounding maternal presence amid the film's whirlwind of scenes, drug-fueled antics, and coming-of-age themes. Overall, Harrison accumulated around 10 film credits across her career, predominantly in supporting capacities that highlighted her versatility in ensemble casts, though her primary professional emphasis remained on television roles.

Writing and production work

Screenwriting pursuits

Following her departure from in 1999, where she experienced and sexist treatment in her storylines, Carol Harrison pivoted to as a means to continue her creative career amid industry challenges for older actresses. She enrolled in a master's program in at the , completing her MA in 2001. Harrison's has included contributions to British television . She has over two decades of experience as a professional , including contributions to high-profile productions. She has developed the Crazy, which remains in development as of 2025. In 2006, Harrison began teaching and related techniques at Brighton Film School, where she served as creative director and lecturer in script development and for the camera. This role allowed her to mentor emerging writers while honing her own craft, emphasizing practical approaches to narrative structure and character development.

Theatre production and All or Nothing

Carol Harrison transitioned from acting to production and writing in theatre with the creation of All or Nothing: The Mod Musical, a production she wrote and developed to celebrate the 1960s mod subculture and the music of the iconic band The Small Faces. Inspired by the band's East London roots and their hits like "All or Nothing" and "Itchycoo Park," the musical follows the rise and fall of the group through the lens of mod fashion, music, and social upheaval, blending Harrison's personal affinity for the era with authentic storytelling. The show premiered in July 2016 at The Vaults in , marking the start of its initial tour that ran through November 2016 and continued into 2017 across various venues, including stops in and Birmingham, where it garnered positive reviews for its energetic portrayal of mod life. Following two successful tours, a third sell-out run led to a limited West End transfer, opening at the Arts Theatre in February 2018 before moving to the Ambassadors Theatre; however, the production closed early on May 12, 2018, three weeks ahead of its scheduled end due to insufficient ticket sales. Harrison played a central role in the production beyond writing, serving as lead producer through her company Rock N Roll Productions and performing as Kay Marriott, the mother figure to band leader , which allowed her to infuse the show with her acting experience. She also contributed to casting decisions, selecting a ensemble that included emerging talents to evoke the raw energy of the , and collaborated on direction to ensure the mod aesthetic—from sharp suits to scooter choreography—was vividly recreated on stage. In response to the , Harrison adapted the production into The All or Nothing Experience, a concert-style touring version that resumed live performances in July 2021 at venues like the Half Moon in , emphasizing the band's music with elements. This revival has sustained annual tours, with sell-out crowds at theaters such as the Joseph Rowntree in and ongoing dates into 2025, including a performance at the Pavilion Theatre in , demonstrating the enduring appeal of mod culture.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Harrison was first married to actor , whom she met on the set of . The couple later divorced. Harrison and Foreman have a son, Alfie Foreman, who later pursued acting, notably appearing in the film (2018). Following the divorce, Harrison and Foreman prioritized co-parenting, fostering a strong family dynamic centered on their son's well-being; Foreman has publicly noted their close relationship despite the separation. Harrison later married Ian Grant, with whom she has collaborated on various projects.

Advocacy and later activities

Harrison has been vocal about her experiences with , emphasizing its potential as a creative asset rather than a hindrance in . In a 2023 interview, she described spending her childhood at the back of the class due to unrecognized difficulties with reading and writing, which motivated her to pursue an MA in to prove her capabilities. She credited a supportive English teacher who praised her abilities, stating, "Your is amazing!"—a moment that helped her reframe as a gift that fosters unique thinking. In reflections on the entertainment industry, Harrison has addressed pervasive and , particularly during her time on . She recounted challenging producers over scripts that demeaned her character based on age and class, leading to intense stress that caused blackouts, , and suicidal thoughts. Harrison described the environment as toxic, accusing the soap of that exacerbated her struggles while trying to advocate for more respectful portrayals of older women. Harrison continues to tour with revivals of her production All or Nothing: The Mod Musical, celebrating the and mod culture through live performances and music. The show toured the in 2024 and 2025, including performances at venues like the Epstein Theatre in and G Live in . As of 2025, revivals continue with a tour scheduled for 2026. She promotes these events actively on platforms such as and , sharing behind-the-scenes content, fan reviews, and highlights of mod fashion and hits to engage audiences with the era's style and sound. On health initiatives, Harrison has shared her journey quitting smoking, initially through Allen Carr's Easyway method in 2008 after years of heavy use. In the , she endorsed e-cigarettes as a transitional tool, reviewing the OK Vape cigalike in 2014 for its role in helping her switch from traditional cigarettes without cravings.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0365512/
  2. https://www.thecarolineunderwoodagency.com/carol-harrison
  3. https://www.amandabeckmanassociates.co.uk/clients/Carol_Harrison/
  4. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1225742-carol-harrison
  5. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/I%2Bdon%2527t%2Bwant%2Bmy%2Bson%2Bto%2Bhave%2Bthe%2Bkind%2Bof%2Bdifficult%2Bchildhood%2BI%2Bhad.%2BI...-a060399758
  6. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-7030115/EastEnders-Carol-Harrison-reveals-tried-commit-suicide-age-18.html
  7. https://www.myshrewsbury.co.uk/blog/all-or-nothing-experience-an-interview-with-carol-harrison/
  8. https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1127606/carol-harrison-eastenders-mum-mental-illness-childhood
  9. https://www.pressreader.com/uk/sunday-express-1070/20250622/282054808009172
  10. http://www.talkingheadsvoices.com/agency/artists/carol-harrison/
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  13. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-8074711/Carol-Harrison-really-wishes-never-took-role-Louise-Raymond-EastEnders.html
  14. https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/2019042472337/eastenders-actress-carol-harrison-why-she-was-axed/
  15. https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/eastenders-star-carol-harrison-says-21605715
  16. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-8060695/Former-EastEnders-star-Carol-Harrison-claims-soap-bosses-feel-suicidal.html
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  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0188674/fullcredits/
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  25. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/14311914/eastenders-carol-harrison-ageism-younger-actors/
  26. https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/15267127.it-was-the-essence-of-cool-carol-harrison-on-the-mod-culture-that-inspired-her-small-faces-musical/
  27. https://westhillwhistler.com/2012/11/24/3321/
  28. https://rocknrollproductions.co.uk/all-or-nothing-the-musical
  29. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/191912/all-or-nothings-carol-harrison-on-bringing-the-mod-musical-to-londons-west-end/
  30. https://musicaltheatrereview.com/all-or-nothing-the-mod-musical-the-vaults/
  31. https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/review-all-or-nothing-the-mod-musical-arts-theatre_45745/
  32. https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/all-or-nothing-to-close-early-in-the-west-end
  33. https://playbill.com/article/all-or-nothingthe-mod-musical-will-transfer-to-londons-west-end
  34. https://tickets.halfmoon.co.uk/events/2021-07-25-all-or-nothing-experience-matinee-half-moon-putney
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  36. https://www.facebook.com/AllOrNothingTheMusical/posts/thu-12th-june-2025-730pm-the-pavilion-theatre-glasgow-carol-harrison-presents-al/1217779690009781/
  37. https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/02_february/09/family_business_foreman.shtml
  38. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8704190/
  39. https://www.pressreader.com/uk/ok-uk/20190618/283506502498380
  40. https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/01/ex-eastenders-star-carol-harrison-accuses-soap-toxic-ageism-misogyny-12328268/
  41. https://www.facebook.com/AllOrNothingTheMusical/
  42. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDCy8B5N1kL/
  43. https://www.allencarr.com/en-us/success-stories/eastenders-star-quits-smoking-at-allen-carrs-easyway-clinic/
  44. https://okvape.co.uk/blog/news/actress-carol-harrison-review/
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