After Dinner Speakers: Joan Collins, Charlie Dimmock, Jo Durie

Joan Collins is a respected actress, a best-selling author, and an accomplished producer. She made her London stage debut at the age of nine in Ibsen’s a Doll’s House, before becoming a student at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her lengthy theatrical career included a lead in The Praying Mantis, and the play The Last of Mrs Cheyney. Her most recent performance was in Noel Coward’s Private Lives, which won her outstanding reviews world-wide. Having appeared in more than 50 feature films and 25 television programmes to date, her most renowned performance is that of the scheming Alexis Carrington Colby in the television series Dynasty. Aside from acting, Joan has also published eight books, including Past Imperfect, and Love & Desire & Hate, and was awarded an OBE in1997. A hugely well known figure with enormous stage presence to host or to present award ceremonies.