Sarah Lancashire’s new TV advert may breach strict BBC guidelines, it has been reported.
The Oldham-born actress has starred in dozens of major projects throughout her career, from Coronation Street to Netflix hit Black Doves.
However, one of her most beloved roles is that of Catherine Cawood in Happy Valley.
Lancashire, 60, played the police officer in the BAFTA-winning drama for three series, but it appears her desire to preserve the character’s legacy may put her in a difficult position.
Quite literally, if you will, because the situation concerns a recent ad for Yorkshire Tea.
The star of stage and screen appears in the brand’s new commercial, where he emulates a fictional cop by playing a no-nonsense security guard.
Lancashire made its advertising debut with the launch of its new campaign last week.
The televised commercial shows her trying to somewhat solve the crime wave at the office, and has been a huge hit with viewers.
It begins with a missing packet of biscuits, which Lancashire launches an investigation… before later realizing she ate them herself.
However, because the character of the security guard boasts close similarities to Cawood’s, as well as her physicality and tone of voice, Lancashire could risk reprimand from the bab.
The broadcaster has strict guidelines when it comes to third parties portraying its characters, brands and programs to prevent their likenesses being exploited.
As such, a section of the guidance entitled ‘Actors and performers repeating BBC roles in other productions’ states: ‘Actors and performers performing in BBC productions should not appear in promotional work, including advertisements; In a way that mimics or replicates their existing roles.” BBC air roles.
So it appears the Yorkshire Tea advert is pretty close to the mark, although it’s currently unclear whether permission was obtained from the BBC before filming.
However, the campaign has gone down a storm, with viewers taking to X to praise it as “amazing”.
Immediately noticing the resemblance between the security officer and Cawood, Markbiggs58 tweeted: “Great ad, just like Happy Valley.”
“Sarah Lancashire is gorgeous in the new #YorkshireTea ad,” Hedmanchris2 wrote in agreement.
User Fergwerg1 even declared it “the best ad on TV.”
Happy Valley began in 2014 and ended in 2024, with other cast members including James Norton and Siobhan Finneran.
Sophie Rundle, Steve Pemberton, Katherine Kelly and Amelia Bullmore also appear.
The final series of Sally Wainwright’s masterpiece averaged 9.16 million viewers, and the final kitchen showdown between Cawood and Tommy Lee (Norton) won the Most Memorable Moment Bafta.
The BBC declined to comment.
Sarah Lancashire’s representatives have been contacted for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – We will. I’d love to hear from you.
More: The Traitors season 3 finale ‘makes history’ by breaking huge record
MORE: Ghosts returns to TV one year after ‘shocking’ finale.
MORE: CBBC star looks unrecognizable after 13 years on hit children’s show