Nancy Evelyn Orchard (néeGodsell, formally Selway; 17 November 1922 – c. 2 April 1990), known professionally as Vanda Godsell, was an English actress. With a career that spanned 46 years, she was best known for her role as Katie Heenan in the BBC One soap opera The Newcomers (1966–1969).
Hal Erickson writes in AllMovie, “Vanda Godsell specialised in playing disheveled housewives, busybody landladies and blowsy domestics‘’.
Godsell began her career as an actress when she joined the Bristol Repertoire in 1937, at the age of 14. She made her stage debut on 10 August 1942, portraying Nancy in Barry O’Brien and Roy Limbert‘s production of Gaslight. She made her television debut on 3 April 1949, with the role of Mirabelle in the television film My Mother Said. She made her broadcasting debut on 4 March 1950, as the voiceof Lulu Smith in the BBC Home Service production of the BBC Television series Sunday Night Theatre. She made her film debut in November 1953, with the role of Angela Neilson in the second feature (‘B’) crime film Flannelfoot.
Godsell portrayed Hilda Wardle in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. She appeared in 14 episodes from 25 January 1961. The character was a lady friend of Christine Hardman‘s uncle Edwin Mason, who came to make sure Christine has enough money to live on following her mother’s sudden death.
Godsell portrayed Katie Heenan in the BBC One soap opera The Newcomers from 1966 to 1969.
Godsell retired on 5 September 1983, following her role as Woman in the debut episode of the ITV television series Reilly, Ace of Spies.
