Drama students were offered valuable career advice during a visit from former Coronation Street actress and NCC alumna Julia Haworth.

Julia starred in the popular soap for almost 11 years, many of them as Ashley Peacock’s wife Claire, and spent well over an hour sharing her experiences and knowledge of life on the cobbles and beyond during a recent return to NCC.

Students wishing to pursue a professional acting career were offered expert advice and guidance during an in-depth question and answer session, and Julia also spoke about her life after leaving NCC, her 25 year professional acting career, the highs and lows of the industry and some of the dramatic storylines her character Claire was involved with during her time in “The Street”.

Charlotte Smith, 18, from Blacko, said: It was a really inspiring session but it was honest at the same time.

Julia-Haworth-visit-2“I want to be an actress and I learned a lot about the industry and the reality of it as Julia told us how hard it is for someone to get a role because of the demand.”

Jamaal Iqbal, 17, from Nelson, said: “Julia was lovely and was really interested in what we wanted to do in the future and if anybody was thinking of going into acting as a career.

“It was a fantastic session. I found it very interesting to hear the trials and tribulations of life in the acting industry.”

Julia left Nelson and Colne College in 1997 with straight As in A Level English Language and Literature, Theatre Studies and Art, before going on to gain a First Class degree in Drama at the University of Manchester.

As well as her on screen career, Julia now also teaches aspiring young and adult actors who dream of going into the profession.

Julia said: “It was an absolute pleasure to come back in to College and talk to students about what a brilliant career you can have in acting.

“I love it because you can pass on experience and knowledge, but it is also reciprocal. Your passion inspires them and their passion inspires you.”

Drama tutor Lesley Playfer said: “This was an excellent opportunity for students to find out the reality of the world of acting and I was delighted that they were so engaged by Julia’s visit.

“It was also great to have a highly successful past student come back into College to inspire future generations and show just what you can do with an A Level in Drama and Theatre.”

Nelson and Colne College is committed to enhancing the overall College experience of students, not only in the classroom, but through additional opportunities as well. Visits from guest speakers, work experience, trips away from College to enhance learning and a broad enrichment offer, including life skills, sport and Pre-Professional Programmes, all contribute in helping students prepare for their next step, be it University, an Apprenticeship or a job.

For more information about Nelson and Colne College contact 01282 440272 or visit www.nelson.ac.uk