MAXINE Peake has quickly shot to the top of my list of favourite interviewees.

For such a talented actress, it was amazing to see how humble she is, constantly crediting her co-stars for helping her work through difficult parts.

Having turned her hand to every sort of role, from brassy veronica in Shameless to the terrifyingly evil Myra Hindley, it's great to see that she has broken free of the idea that Northerners can only be dour or stupid.

And while she says that she "wouldn't know where to start" when it came to writing, her passion for strong female roles means that I for one would love to see any original work that this intelligent and articulate woman could produce.

Never mind your Jordans and your Kylies - here's a real role model for Bolton's young girls .