Pippa Haywood

Biography

Philippa "Pippa" Haywood is a talented English actress, renowned for her diverse performances across television, film, and theatre. She honed her craft at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and was born in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

Haywood is best known for her memorable television roles, including the beleaguered Helen Brittas in the beloved BBC One comedy series The Brittas Empire, which aired from 1991 to 1997. Her comedic talent shone through as Julie Chadwick in the 2007 BBC Two series Fear, Stress & Anger, and as Joanna Clore, the fiery human resources director in Green Wing (2004-2006), for which she received the Rose d'Or award for "best comedy female performance" in 2005.

In addition to her comedic work, Haywood has demonstrated her dramatic prowess in numerous roles, such as Jenny Thorne in the ITV drama serial The One Game (1988) and Mrs. Upjohn in the Agatha Christie’s Poirot episode "Cat Among the Pigeons" (2008). She made guest appearances in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2002) and featured prominently in series like Lewis and Mr Selfridge. From 2012, she portrayed Harriet in the BBC One drama Prisoners' Wives and played Detective Superintendent Julie Dodson in Scott & Bailey.

Notably, Haywood took over the role of Helen Golightly in the long-running BBC Radio 4 comedy Clare in the Community in 2015. Her stage credentials include performances in various productions at the National Theatre and the Royal Court, showcasing her versatility as an actress.