Joanne Heywood

Joanne Heywood (born in York) is a British actress who played two minor roles on Coronation Street: an Instructor who taught Samantha Failsworth, Des Barnes and Sean Skinner safety procedures before their sponsored parachute jump in March 1997; and returned to the programme in May 2008 as Miss Finn, the drama teacher at Weatherfield High.

She first trod the boards at York Theatre Royal at the tender age of three in The Isobel Dunn School of Dancing's production of Dance Flash. This was the start of many appearances in York, including a memorable panto season as a Munchkin in the Wizard of Oz with the then unknown Pierce Brosnan.

Having realised this was a passion, Joanne auditioned for The Guildford School of Acting aged fifteen - hoping to start the following year. Although accepted on the three year Musical Theatre course, GSA suggested that Joanne was a little young to be leaving home and offered the place on condition that she delayed starting for a year. Reluctantly, Joanne waited and finally took up her place.

Other TV and film credits include roles in Brush Strokes, First of the Summer Wine, The New Statesman, The Brittas Empire, Grace & Favour, Knightmare, Next of Kin, Heartbeat, Kiss Me Kate, EastEnders, Emmerdale and My Hero.