A former soap star, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing , has traded in her acting career for a more ordinary job, citing a desire to no longer be "shipped off all over the country acting". Sarah Manners, a Birmingham native, rose to fame with her role as Joanna Helm in the BBC soap Doctors, which she joined in 2000 as one of the original nine regular cast members. Her portrayal of receptionist Joanna made her a fan favourite, and she was involved in several dramatic storylines during her time on the show.
In a 2012 interview, Sarah fondly recalled her time on Doctors, saying: "I got the best storylines in the world in Doctors." She highlighted some of the most notable plot twists, including her character's struggles with addiction and a dramatic exit storyline involving assisted euthanasia. After leaving Doctors in 2001, Sarah went on to appear in other notable shows, including BBC 's Holby City, where she played Bex Reynolds from 2003 to 2005, and ITV's The Bill, where she played Kirsty Knight in 2010.
She also showcased her dancing skills on the second series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, partnering with Brendan Cole and finishing in fifth place, reports, The Mirror. In a striking career shift back in 2014, Sarah left the acting scene to become a certified Pilates instructor. Reflecting on her transition from the stage to the studio, Sarah revealed: "Being an actress is a tough job and it's great fun when you're younger.
" "But if you want to settle down and have a fa.
