Meet Sarah Hadland, the comedian and Miranda star taking to the Strictly dance floor

16 hours ago

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Sarah Hadland - Figure 1 — Photo The Independent

Sarah Hadland is one of the last four contestants vying for the title in this year's grand finale of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 53-year-old actor was confirmed to take part in the 2024 season of the well-known BBC dance competition during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine in August. She joined former X Factor contestant Shayne Ward and expressed her excitement about beginning the show.

“I can't believe I'm actually part of Strictly!” Hadland expressed. “I'm especially thrilled to be involved in such a legendary program during its 20th anniversary.”

Hadland is most recognized as one of the original cast members of the CBBC sketch series Horrible Histories and for playing the role of Stevie Sutton, the manager of a joke shop, in the BBC sitcom Miranda. In this show, she starred alongside the lead, Miranda Hart, as well as Tom Ellis and Patricia Hodge.

In an interview with The Observer back in 2013, the actress admitted that she didn’t expect to connect well with Hart at first. She shared, “I never attended university or drama school. I was told countless times that I wouldn’t make it as an actress.”

I recall searching for her online and feeling, "We don’t have anything in common; she’s really high society."

Hadland eventually admitted that she had misinterpreted her fellow actors: "I consider myself fortunate to have worked on a project that has brought me a lifelong friend," she shared with The Sun. "I would love to create another season, but that decision rests with Miranda since she’s the one who writes the show."

Sarah Hadland - Figure 2 — Photo The Independent

Hadland was raised in Hertfordshire and got involved in youth theater during her time in school in Cheshire. At the age of 16, she moved out of her family home and pursued training at Laine Theatre Arts College in Epsom, Surrey. She made her first appearance on screen with a small part in the second season of the political comedy series The Thick of It, featuring Peter Capaldi and Chris Addison.

Similar to her Strictly 2024 co-contestant Tasha Ghouri, Hadland has a background in dance, having begun ballet lessons at just three years old. Before stepping into acting, she kickstarted her career by performing in West End shows like Cats and Grease when she was 19.

Alex Kingston, known for her role in Doctor Who and a close friend of Sarah Hadland, previously mentioned Hadland's dance background. She said, "Sarah and I had been discussing our desire to participate in Strictly Come Dancing. Then I found out she’s a trained ballet dancer. I thought, ‘Wait a second! That’s not right!’ So, I wouldn't want to compete in a season where she’s a participant."

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The Miranda star has appeared in the BBC series Waterloo Road, as well as in the sketch comedy show That Mitchell and Webb Look, created by David Mitchell and Robert Webb. Additionally, they played a part in the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace.

Outside of her job, Hadland stays active by running. She once shared with The Times, “My grandfather on my dad’s side was a reserve runner for the British Olympic team, so I like to believe running is in my blood.” She has successfully finished two London Marathons in less than four hours.

"At first, I find it difficult to get motivated to work out, but I push through and eventually, I start to feel those endorphins. It’s a strange feeling, but it’s worth it."