Happy Valley’s Sarah Lancashire risks scolding from BBC if she has breached guidelines
Happy Valley’s Sarah Lancashire risks scolding from BBC if she has breached guidelines
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Sarah Lancashire’s new TV advert could be a breach of strict BBC guidelines, according to reports. The Oldham-born actress has starred in dozens of major projects throughout her career, from Coronation Street to the recent Netflix hit Black Doves. One of her most beloved roles, however, is that of Catherine Cawood in Happy Valley.
Lancashire, 60, portrayed the police officer in the Bafta-winning drama for three series, but it seems her willingness to maintain the character’s legacy could land her in hot water. Quite literally, if you will, because the situation involves a recent ad for Yorkshire Tea.
![[Happy Valley S3,01-01-2023,1,Catherine Cawood (SARAH LANCASHIRE),Lookout Point,James Stack]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_147092361-cc44.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The star of stage and screen features in the brand’s new commercial, mimicking the persona of the fictional cop by playing a no-nonsense security guard. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.
![[grabs - Happy Valley star Sarah Lancashire joins Yorkshire Tea]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_235539338-3d0b.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Up Next. Lancashire made her debut in the advert as their new campaign launched last week. The televised ad shows her attempting to solve somewhat of a crime wave at the office—and it’s proven a major hit with viewers. It begins with a missing packet of biscuits, with Lancashire launching an investigation… before later realising she actually ate them herself.
![[Happy Valley S3,08-01-2023,2,Catherine Cawood (SARAH LANCASHIRE) & Alison Garrs (SUSAN LYNCH),Lookout Point,Matt Squire]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_141656056-5fdd.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
However, since the security guard character boasts major similarities between Cawood’s own personality, as well as her physicality and tone of voice, Lancashire could be risking a scolding from the Beeb. The broadcaster has tight guidelines when it comes to third parties portraying their characters, brands, and programmes to prevent their likenesses from being exploited.
![[Special Recognition Award - Sarah Lancashire 28th National Television Awards, Show, The O2, London, UK - 05 Sep 2023 Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt Crossick/Shutterstock for NTA (14076321dl)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_170295922-d4ce.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
