Joanna Page shares her experience with predatory directors and colleagues as she opens up on being the target of unwanted sexual attention

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Joanna Page has shared that when she was in her twenties, she experienced unwanted sexual advances and harassment from directors and coworkers who took advantage of their positions.

The 48-year-old actress performed with the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company for ten years before getting her breakthrough role in Love Actually when she was 23.

The 2003 Christmas movie, directed by Richard Curtis, launched her career. In the film, she played Judy, a quiet stand-in who had to film intimate scenes with John, played by Martin Freeman.

The actress’s nude scenes could have been a concern, but Joanna stated she never felt taken advantage of. She told OK! Magazine it was a positive experience, with careful planning involving Richard and Martin beforehand.

Being a young and attractive actress in her twenties meant she frequently had to confront directors and coworkers who harassed her.

Oh my god, she *said* she totally calls people out when things aren’t right! She explained that being honest has actually saved her a few times, because back when *she* was starting out in drama school, they didn’t even *have* intimacy coordinators. Can you believe it? She just had to read the scene and… well, just *do* it! It’s amazing and so brave of her to talk about this, honestly.

Joanna, who was born in Swansea, Wales, graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1998. 

After graduating, she worked in theater for ten years, primarily in period pieces. This experience led to roles in films like From Hell, Mine All Mine, Love Actually, and Miss Julie.

I’ll never forget when she *really* became a star – it was when she landed the part of Stacey Shipman in the incredibly popular BBC sitcom, Gavin and Stacey. That role truly launched her career!

Oh my gosh, she was *in* the show from the very beginning – all three series, from 2007 to 2010! I thought that was it, and I was heartbroken, but then… then she came back for the Christmas special in 2019! It was the best Christmas *ever*.

Fans were thrilled to learn in May 2024 that the script for the show’s final episode was completed, and it’s scheduled to air on Christmas Day.

In addition to her role in Gavin & Stacey, Joanna Page starred in the BBC drama The Cazalets, a series set during World War II that centers on a family’s experiences.

The actor lent their voice to several Kingsmill bread commercials for both television and radio, and also narrated a Christmas TV ad campaign for Carphone Warehouse.

In 2010, she hosted the documentary *My Pet Shame* and soon after, became the official spokesperson for Superdrug.

Between 2011 and 2012, the actress gained significant recognition for her roles in several popular shows and films, including Leanne Powell in the BBC drama *The Syndicate*, Helen Pearson in the Sky Living comedy *Gates*, and Mrs. Peterson in the film *Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger*.

In November 2013, Joanna made a brief appearance in the special 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who, playing the role of Queen Elizabeth.

But seven years after that, the Welsh actress began hosting *Shop Well For Less*, a consumer advice show on BBC One.

Following that, she began co-hosting “The Pet Show” with Dermot O’Leary on ITV. In 2023, she joined the panel on the talk show “Loose Women” and also appeared in the BBC television feature “Men Up”.

This series tells the story of five regular guys from Wales who were among the first to test what would eventually become the drug Viagra.

Along the way, the case leads them to surprising locations and makes them rethink their priorities.

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2025-09-24 01:18