4. She’s one of the most down-to-earth celebrities out there

McClure is the woman we all want in our friendships groups (fun, cool, dishes out sound advice – yes please!). And, if you find yourself in Nottingham anytime soon, you might just end up becoming pals with her. She recently told us: “I love nothing more than being in town, nipping into a pub and talking to randoms, yet you feel like you’re best mates because you’re born and bred.”

5. She is one bloody talented actor

McClure blew us away in this year’s I Am Nicola, playing a woman in a coercive relationship. Speaking about her approach to the tough role, she reflected on her own experiences, telling Channel 4 News: “I think sometimes you allow it because you don’t really see it happening. That’s half the battle. And then you get to a point where you think ‘oh actually I’m not really doing what I really want to do’. I’m very lucky to have a loving fiancé now, who lets me fly, and I let him fly.”

Her performance was powerful, raw and emotional. And it was an essential watch.

Vicky McClure live: listen to her advice on how to be your authentic self