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ANNA FRIEL CUTS A RUG AT HER 30TH BIRTHDAY BASH

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19 JULY 2006

British actress Anna Friel had plenty to sing and dance about when she celebrated her 30th birthday this week. The former Brookside star couldn't resist breaking into a jig as she was joined by friends and loved ones for a party in London's exclusive Pigalle Club to mark the occasion.

Her actor boyfriend David Thewlis, who movie fans will recognise from Seven Years In Tibet and the Harry Potter series, was on hand to share the moment with her. And the loved-up pair were both in the party mood, having celebrated the first birthday of their little girl Gracie just a few days beforehand.

Anna also received an unexpected gift from the city of Bolton. The pretty brunette, who originally hails from nearby Rochdale, was informed the institution wanted to present her with an honorary doctorate in recognition of her contribution to the performing arts.

The actress, who was wearing a vintage-style black dress with glittering diamond earrings for her big day, is expected to collect her scroll when she finishes work on her latest movie Bathory. "Anna is absolutely delighted and she is looking forward to it," said her father Des. "Her brother Michael, who is studying medicine at Keele University, has joked that it will take him five years to receive his award, but it will take Anna five minutes. She is very much aware of the fact it is a great honour."