Sarah Lancashire leaves Happy Valley fans in disbelief with real accent at NTAs

Viewers were shocked after hearing Happy Valley’s Sarah Lancashire ‘posh’ real accent while accepting an award at the National Television Awards.

Lancashire had a very well-deserved big night at the awards ceremony, scooping gongs for best drama performance for her role as straight-talking police officer Catherine Cawood and this year's special recognition award, which was presented by Sir Ian McKellen.

The 58-year-old faced competition from her Happy Valley co-star James Norton for the best drama performance as well as Vera star Brenda Blethyn, India Amarteifio for her role in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and Call the Midwife’s Judy Parfitt.

In her acceptance speech, Oldham-born Lancashire said: "Thank you so much for this. I have adored every scene, every moment of Happy Valley.

"And I know I will never forget it and all the brilliant people. The way the BBC have supported us.

"I have to say some things about Sally Wainwright because she is Happy Valley, she is what makes it, her writing is so extraordinary, her characters are extraordinary and anyone who is in receipt of those words is the luckiest actor in the world, in truth.

BBC

"To James Norton, to Siobhan Finneran who has been my partner in crime for three years and she is an extraordinary actress.

"My family walk every step of the way with me, and I am so incredibly lucky to have them in my life."

But while her speech may have been touching, viewers were more taken aback after realising that the star doesn’t have a thick Yorkshire accent in real life.

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “Sarah Lancashire speaking that posh just took me by surprise! Her Yorkshire accent is spot on in Happy Valley.”

Another commented: “Sarah Lancashire is that good an actress that it's a shock when she doesn't speak in a Yorkshire accent.”

ITV

While someone else wrote: “I know EVERYONE is saying this but…how is that Sarah Lancashire’s real accent? She’s so convincing in Happy Valley. Absolutely top of her game.”

A fourth added: “Sarah Lancashire accent in real life I’m shook. Why did I think she was from Yorkshire?” She’s just that good, mate.

The popular BBC show wrapped up earlier this year after three seasons and almost ten years.

It was a particularly good night for Happy Valley, which also won the best returning drama award, beating nominees Call the Midwife, Stranger Things and Vera.