Maxine Peake is best known for playing Martha Costello in ‘Silk’, Veronica in ‘Shameless’, and Twelfth Doctor companion in audio dramas. Her stage work includes ‘The Children’s Hour’ and ‘Hamlet’.
Films
- The AssessmentVirginia2025
- BlitzPatsy (voice)2022
- Fanny Lye Deliver’dFanny Lye2019
- PeterlooNellie2018
- Funny CowFunny Cow2017
- The FallingMiss Alvaro / Ema2014
- SvengaliShell2013
- Blood CellsJustine2013
- The Disappearance of Alice CreedAlice Creed2009
- Interview with a HitmanAngela2012
- Vera DrakeBrenda2004
- All or NothingGirl at Party2002
TV shows
- Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the LightLady Rochford2025
- The Wheel of TimeAnvaere Damodred2021–
- The Salisbury PoisoningsTracy Daszkiewicz2020
- Years and YearsRosemary ‘Ruth’ Lyons2019
- The SplitMaggie Defoe (1 episode)2018
- The Secret AgentWinnie Verloc2016
- SilkMartha Costello2011–2014
- The VillageGrace Middleton2013–2014
- ShamelessVeronica ‘Veronica’ Fisher2004–2007
- Criminal JusticeMina Khan2008
- Miss Marie Lloyd – Queen of The Music HallMarie Lloyd2007
- The Worst Week of My LifeKatie2004–2006
- Clocking OffBeverley2000
- DinnerladiesTwinkle (1 episode)1999
- Playing the FieldJulie (recurring)1998–2002
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About Maxine Peake
Maxine Peake is an acclaimed English actress from Bolton, known for her powerful performances across television, film, and theatre. She has built a reputation for playing complex, strong-willed characters, from the brilliant barrister Martha Costello in the legal drama ‘Silk’ to the fierce Veronica in the early series of ‘Shameless’.
FAQs
What is Maxine Peake most famous for?
She is best known for her BAFTA-nominated role as barrister Martha Costello in the BBC legal drama ‘Silk’ (2011–2014), playing Veronica in ‘Shameless’ (2004–2007), and for extensive stage work.
Has Maxine Peake won any major awards?
She has won several awards, including a Royal Television Society Award for ‘Silk’ and a Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for ‘The Children’s Hour’. She has also been nominated for a BAFTA and an Olivier Award.
Is Maxine Peake involved in Doctor Who?
Yes, she has voiced the Twelfth Doctor’s companion in Big Finish audio dramas and played a guest role in the 2005 TV series episode ‘The Girl in the Fireplace’.
What are her most acclaimed theatre roles?
She has played Hamlet at the Royal Exchange Theatre (2014), Martha in ‘The Children’s Hour’ at the Royal Court, and Annie in ‘The Exception and the Rule’ at the Gate Theatre.
Has Maxine Peake directed or written?
She wrote and directed the short film ‘Beryl’ (2018) about cyclist Beryl Burton, which won a BAFTA for Best Short Film.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026