The Biography

Lesley Nicol (born August 7, 1953 in Manchester, England) is an English actress. She is a three-time SAG Award winner in the Best Cast in a Drama Series category for her role as Beryl Patmore in the ITV and PBS drama TV series Downton Abbey. She also starred in the 2019 feature film adaptation of the series, its 2022 sequel, and its 2025 finale. Nicol is also notable for her role as Mrs Beaver in the 1988 BBC adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and as the Queen Giant in the 1990 adaptation of The Silver Chair. She has guest-starred on numerous British television series and also appeared as Rosie in the West End production of Mamma Mia! from 2000 to 2002. She trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.