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Actress and comedienne Jen Williams has taken up a sales and marketing role at bus and coach hire company Belle Vue Manchester.
Jen, who has starred in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and more than 20 films and TV dramas, has joined the Stockport firm in the newly-created full-time position of travel consultant.
Her links with Belle Vue were forged last year when she was hired to present a series of serious and humorous on-board safety videos for the company.
She developed a character, Belle Vue Bev, and impressed managing director Phil Hitchen so much he offered her a full-time job.
Jen, pictured, said: “Having listened to Phil and seen at first-hand the Belle Vue work ethos and how well the company treats people, I thought it would be a really nice place to work.
“When Phil offered me a job, I jumped at the chance.”
As well as sales and marketing functions, Jen will manage Belle Vue’s social media, corporate events and charity initiatives, and plans to present more videos aimed at the company’s wide range of passengers, including schoolchildren and business groups.
Jen, 48, who lives in Whitefield, played various parts in Coronation Street between 1999 and 2005, including that of Sheila Hayes, the battered mother whose son Wayne was fostered by Hayley and Roy Cropper.
She also played WPC Jill Bruce in Emmerdale, and Miss Riley, a teacher, in Hollyoaks.
Jen has also starred in TV dramas including The Royal, Clocking Off, Children’s Ward and Cops. Her film credits include Best Little Whorehouse in Rochdale, Christmas Lights and Von Trapped.
In addition, Jen has appeared in theatre productions and TV commercials as well as stand-up comedy, where her routine includes the character MizzGraceFully.
She said: “I went into acting in my 30s, and have always looked on it as a second occupation. I’m taking a break from it to focus on my role at Belle Vue, and will be doing some stand-up comedy shows in my spare time.”
Phil Hitchen said: “Working with Jen on our professional safety videos was an absolute pleasure.
“She is highly professional and has a ‘can-do’ attitude. We’re delighted Jen has joined Belle Vue and we’re looking forward to accomplishing great things together for many years to come.”
