LITTLE did mother-of-two Joanne Venet know that after leaving her job as a sales representative she would be starring in a powerful drama tackling today's controversial issues.

And now Joanne (35) is hoping the hard-hitting "Us Girl", parts of which have been filmed in Radcliffe, will launch her acting career.

Set in the north and written by Francesca Manning, niece of comedian Bernard Manning, "Us Girls" is about a group of women who grew up on a council estate and come together to share their experiences, which range from domestic violence and abuse to infidelity.

"The film, which is being produced on a very low budget, is about female bonding and is along the lines of "Band of Gold" or a female "Full Monty" but without the stripping," said Joanne who is married to Raymond and has two daughters, Jade (6) and Annie (4).

Joanne, who lives on Chapel Town Road, Outwood, plays her first leading part following appearances in commercials and bit parts in various television series, including "My Wonderful Life."

In "Us Girls," she takes on the role of a married woman whose husband is unfaithful.

Joanne, a former sales representative for Trebor Bassetts, started acting five years ago after leaving her job to start her family. She turned professional last year. A chance meeting with Francesca Manning secured her part in "Us Girls."

"We both happened to be at the Northern Actors Centre, a workshop for professional actors. Francesca walked up to me and said I would be perfect for the drama she was not only writing, but starring in, directing, and producing," said Joanne.

Filming of the drama, which has taken place across the borough including Benny's nightclub in Bury, will be finished in the next four weeks. Once completed the film will be sold to a television company as a pilot episode for a potential series.

"I really believe in Us Girls. We have worked very hard and believe it will be a success," she said.

But before then Joanne can be seen in the soon-to-be-released Emmerdale video: "The Dingles in Venice." She will also be appearing in a BBC drama in the autumn.

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