Helen Lederer, known for her role in the iconic nineties sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, starring alongside Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, is back on mainstream TV in Coronation Street. While her character in Absolutely Fabulous was Catriona, she is now playing Ken Barlow’s love interest. Lederer, with a lengthy list of screen credits including The Young Ones and One Foot In The Grave, revealed that her most lucrative acting role was actually a 1995 Finish dishwasher tablet advert, for which she was paid an astonishing £70,000 for only a day-and-a-half’s work.
In her recent memoir, Not That I’m Bitter, Lederer shared details about her tumultuous romance with comedian Harry Enfield during the 1980s. Despite describing Enfield as talented and kind, she admitted to seeing her ex-boyfriend behind his back. This led to a difficult situation where Enfield eventually sent her a letter ending their relationship. However, the pair later reconciled, and Enfield even cast Lederer in The Harry Enfield Show as a sex worker, showcasing their ability to move past their personal issues.
Lederer also opened up about her struggles with weight and body image. Married to her second husband, a GP, Lederer confessed to taking slimming pills for years and surviving on a diet of only 400 calories a day and wine. Despite her weight fluctuating from a size 10 to a size 16 throughout her career, she now embraces her figure, stating that she had lived the ‘Ab Fab’ life of being the one to constantly work on her appearance.
Throughout her career, Lederer has faced various challenges related to relationships, finances, and body image, but she continues to persevere and find success in the entertainment industry. Despite not always making the best decisions, such as frittering away money on clothes or engaging in complicated relationships, she remains dedicated to her craft and continues to work in mainstream television, showcasing her talent and resilience. Lederer’s journey serves as a reminder of the complexities and struggles faced by many in the entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-acceptance in the face of adversity.
