Olivia Hallinan

Born in London as one of four sisters, Olivia was bitten by the acting bug early on. Aged 11 she began training at actress mum Maggie Taylor's Saturday drama class and, after attending schools in London, went on to study English and Drama at the University of Manchester. She already has over 100 productions under her belt, with her first professional role being one alongside Cilla Black. Since then she's appeared in episodes of The Bill, Holby City and My Family. She was still in her first year of university when she starred in the initial series of critically acclaimed 2005 drama Sugar Rush, notching up appearances in Torchwood and police drama Trial And Retribution before she graduated. In 2008 her profile was further raised by the role of Laura Timmins in the BBC production Lark Rise To Candleford, also starring Dawn French and Julia Sawalha.