Warning: This article features images from Ryan’s Acid Attack storyline that may be distressing.
“The characters of this fictional town are in my blood,” says Gillian Walsh, Coronation Street’s Head of Hair and Make-up.
Gillian describes her role as transforming characters from script to screen: “I see my main brief as bringing them to life with hair, make-up and special effects make-up.” From planning wedding day glow-ups to car crash injuries, she ensures each storyline has the perfect visual accompaniment.
Her journey began far from the cobbles. “After being a dancer in a touring production,” she explains, “I fell in love with the artistry of wigs and make-up behind the scenes.” This passion led her to study media make-up and hairdressing, followed by a BBC3 make-up trainee role straight out of college. “My touring and determination set me on this path quickly,” she reflects.
Now, after “finishing off my training at Granada TV,” she’s come full circle, leading the very department she once trained in. “To be back now as the head of the team really is a dream come true,” she beams, “especially being a Salford born and bred girl, just two streets away from where Tony Warren lived!”
For Gillian, the heart of Coronation Street lies in its people: “The cast and the crew and the camaraderie,” she emphasizes. “Feeling like a family is crucial,” especially when filming weeks of episodes in advance.
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Gillian has witnessed positive change: “Finding a work life balance is and always will be a struggle,” she acknowledges, “but I see new attitudes towards working mothers.” She’s surrounded by strong women on set, a fact that fills her with pride: “I’m very proud to be a woman behind Weatherfield.”
Coronation Street continues at 8pm tomorrow on ITV1
You must be logged in to post a comment.