Victoria Wood's hidden struggle with feelings of inadequacy

A new film, Becoming Victoria Wood, shows that the celebrated comedian battled long-standing self-doubt and periods of depression despite a highly successful career; the film has opened in cinemas and will air on U&Gold next month.

Becoming Victoria Wood, a 90-minute film released this month, revisits the life and career of the comedian Victoria Wood. The film reports that, beneath public success, Wood struggled with persistent feelings of inadequacy and bouts of depression. Her work spanned sketch shows, sitcoms, stage performances and award-winning television and film. She died in April 2016 at the age of 62. Key points: - The film presents Wood's lifelong lack of self-confidence and spells of depression alongside her public achievements. - Her career highlights included Wood And Walters, Victoria Wood On TV (including the Acorn Antiques sketches), the sitcom Dinnerladies, one-woman stage records and the film Housewife, 49, for which she won two BAFTAs. - Wood married Geoffrey Durham in 1980; the marriage lasted more than two decades before ending, and she was known to be a private person who disliked many interviews. - Becoming Victoria Wood has opened in cinemas and is scheduled to air on the U&Gold channel next month. Summary: The film casts new light on the contrast between Wood's widespread acclaim and her private struggles with self-doubt and depression. It recounts both her creative achievements and personal difficulties, and its release continues public reflection on her life; the next public broadcast is set for U&Gold next month.