Amanda Drew

Born in Lincolnshire as one of four children, Amanda discovered her love of acting at the age of six when she portrayed a flower in a school play. Realising she enjoyed the freedom of assuming another character, she joined a youth theatre when the family moved to Leicestershire, and later went on to RADA. After graduating from the prestigious drama school in 1992 Amanda earned a name for herself on stage at the Royal Court Theatre and in West End productions in both comic and dramatic roles. In 2001 she joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and two years later was nominated for the Outstanding Newcomer title in the Evening Standard Theatre Awards. In September 2006 she appeared in her best-known part to date as reality-challenged EastEnders medic Dr May Wright - which she describes as "a gift of a role" for any actor. After leaving Albert Square in June 2007, Amanda returned a year later for a two-week guest stint. Other TV roles include Holby City. Amanda lives in Earls Court with her greyhound Ron, whom she adopted in 2007.