Dyslexia has been a serious issue for actress Amanda Barrie throughout her 75-year career, especially when she had to learn scripts for theatre, film and TV.

In this hugely entertaining conversation, Amanda tells Leonie Mellinger about how the condition became a “nightmare” and about the techniques she then developed to cope with it.

Her new autobiography I’m Still Here was recently published to coincide with her 90th birthday and it tells the story of a most extraordinary life.

Having lied about her age and moved into a hostel in Soho as a 13 year old, Amanda performed in dance, review, cabaret and television in the 1940s and ‘50s.

That was followed by long spells on stage as a lead actress in the West End and major touring productions, while also appearing in many films including her iconic lead role in Carry On Cleo.

Amanda then established herself as one of the best loved characters on television - Alma in Coronation Street.  She was a key member of the cast for 13 years until Alma’s dramatic departure in 2001.

She also lived with two secrets throughout most of her career, secrets which caused great anguish and pain, about which she writes very movingly in the book.

Her sexuality, and her dyslexia.

This interview focuses mainly on the latter and how she learned to deal with dyslexia in the decades when the condition was rarely recognised, with Amanda struggling to learn scripts amid insinuations of laziness or stupidity.

In addition, she discusses the pressure on young actresses in the 1960s, when she developed eating disorders. She describes the special diets that actresses and dancers were advised to adopt and talks about her use of amphetamines to get through the long working days and nights.

We also hear about her fear of being open about her sexuality, about being outed while on Coronation Street and how she eventually found great happiness with wife Hilary Bonner.

Plus, there are stories about Gordon Ramsay, George Cole and Dora Bryan.

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The Courage to Speak is from Leonie Mellinger Ltd.

It is produced by Square Elephant Productions with Danny Garlick.

Theme music composed by Guy Pearson.