Don't rely on sexuality, Peaky Blinders star warns young actresses

PEAKY Blinders star Helen McCrory has urged other actresses not to accept roles based on their sexuality because it makes the occupation harder for other women.

- Jaymi McCann

Helen, 51, said there was a gender imbalance in the industry – although she admitted she had been “very, very lucky”.

She suggested women should “look to ourselves” to remedy the problem and reduce the emphasis on physical attractiveness.

She told Desert Island Discs, which is broadcast today: “I’m very, very lucky that I’m offered good parts in British television and stuff.

“I think you are finding writing that’s serving women fantastically and you’re getting older women playing fantastic parts, but it’s not an equal playing field.

“And what you do as an actress is you make sure that when you get a part you don’t make it dependent on your sexuality because that’s not going to make it easier for the women behind you.