Sarah Lancashire risks backlash from BBC bosses over Yorkshire Tea advert

Happy Valley star in hot water

Sarah Lancashire, known for her role as police officer Catherine Cawood in the hit Beeb drama Happy Valley, has raised eyebrows by appearing in a new Yorkshire Tea advert. The 60-year-old actress, who bid farewell to her character after three series, seems to channel her iconic role in the commercial where she plays a security guard.

Rule breach?

In the one-minute ad, Lancashire investigates a missing packet of biscuits before realizing she had eaten them. However, her portrayal of a no-nonsense character could potentially violate BBC guidelines that prohibit actors from mimicking their BBC roles in outside promotional activities without prior approval.

Nick Knowles saga

This incident echoes Nick Knowles' experience when he faced the possibility of being axed from DIY SOS after appearing in a Shreddies cereal advert in 2021. Despite initial concerns, Knowles was eventually spared from being dropped from the long-running show.