Lyndyann Barrass
Lyndyann Barrass (born 1976 in Newcastle, England) is an English actress and is best known for playing Spuggie in BBC television series Byker Grove. [1]
Lyndyann Barrass | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1976 Newcastle, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Television | Byker Grove |
Career
Lyndyann Barrass began her career playing Kirsty "Spuggie" Campbell, a character who appears in the CBBC television series Byker Grove.[2][3] The character appeared on the show from 1989-92 and became a fan favourite.
The character "Spuggie" became one of the most well known characters on British TV[4] and the name became synonymous with British children as well as adults around the UK with people quoting "Spuggie" or "going down grove tsee our Spuggie" anytime Newcastle or Byker Grove was mentioned.[5]
Today Lyndyann goes on to appear in various theatre shows across the country and also working part-time at a call centre in Sunderland.[6]
Personal life
In 1993 and after six years on the show Spuggie was written out and Lyndyann went to Sunderland College to study performing arts. She struggled to find acting work having been typecast, and at the age of 21 she joined a band called Angel. They lasted just a year.[7]
Was the victim of an attack which put a pause on her acting career. "Aged 21, I joined a band called Angel, but we weren’t successful and I left after a year. Three years later, I was beaten unconscious in the street by three strangers who recognised me as Spuggy. Thankfully, I wasn’t badly injured, but it was the final straw, I decided to quit show business for good."[8]
Since then Lyndyann Barrass has given acting another go and she continues to act as well as appear as a guest on numerous shows on British Television.[9]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Pointless Celebrities | Self | Contestant |
| 2018 | Top of the Box | Self | Children's TV Correspondent |
| 2014 | Celebrity Juice | Self | Guest |
| 2011 | This Morning | Self | Guest |
| 2008 | The Comedy Map of Britain | Self | Guest |
| 1997 | King Leek | Laura | Main Role |
| 1993 | Harry | Pauline | Guest role (1 episodes) |
| 1992 | Going Live! | Self | Guest |
| 1989-1992 | Byker Grove | Spuggie | Main Role |
References
- McGown, Alistair. "Byker Grove". Screen Online. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- North, Zenith; Lynch, Tony (1 Jan 1989). The Official Byker Grove Annual (First ed.). UK: Grandreams Ltd for BBC Enterprises Ltd. p. 61. ISBN 978-0862278601. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
- Rose, Adele (1 Nov 1989). Byker Grove (First ed.). UK: Penguin Character Books Ltd. p. 144. ISBN 978-0563208846. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
- TROY-PRYDE, JADIE. "Byker Grove cast – where are they now?". Closer. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- "Spuggie". Urbandictionary.com. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- Speed, Paul. "Where are the cast of Byker Grove now?". Derby Telegraph. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- CHACKSFIELD, MARC. "Kids from TV shows of your youth: Where are they now?". Shortlist. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- Elliott-Gibbs, Sam. "Where Byker Grove's Spuggy is now after brutal assault forced her to turn back on acting". Mirror. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
- Duke, Simon. "Byker Grove Spuggy's Pointless Celebrities appearance delights fans as she makes shock TV comeback". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 2 April 2023.