Waterloo Road:
Jess Fisher was a cool, sarky and confident character, oh and played to perfection by Cocker of course! Her only downfall, she slept with her deputy principal (and one of her mother’s colleagues) the night before the first day of term but hey, we all have our vices, right? Jess played the grown-up but in reality she was just a bit of a lost soul, who was just scared stiff to show the world how much growing up she really had left to do. Her vulnerability intersected with her sassiness made her a layered character, showcasing Cocker’s fabulous versatility.
Tina & Bobby:
Although very much a supporting role, Cocker, for me, was the star of the show. This biographical mini-series focused on the 1960s Posh & Becks, the original IT couple, footballer Bobby Moore and his first wife Tina. Cocker played Kathy Peters, the wife of footballer Martin Peters. In this part, she was fun, put-together and wildly camp- a much more mature role for Cocker. She played a 1960’s footballer’s wife perfectly by going over her shopping allowances, looking glam and giving her husband a few home truths when he needed them, whilst always being there as a pillar of support for her girlfriends!
White Gold:
Sam F****** Swan, the woman you are! This diva is unmatched, no contemporary sitcom character has left an impact on me like this icon. The show starring Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick and Oscar-award winning Rachel Shenton (another underrated acting stalwart) focuses on window salesmen in the 1980s. Sam is the long-suffering wife of serial womaniser and all-round con artist, Vincent. She is feisty, passionate and despite everything loves her husband and children. Sam Swan is a woman I would not want to get on the wrong side of but would love to over-drink tequila with! Her driving into a snobby neighbour’s conservatory in the final episode will explain exactly what I mean!
Special Mention- Drop Dead Gorgeous:
This BBC Three Dramedy from the mid-noughties, set in Runcorn, tells the story of a 15 year old whose life is transformed when she becomes a model. Cocker plays Jade Webb, the identical twin sister of said model, Ashley Webb. Jade is just waiting for the day becomes scouted like her sister and is constantly trying to be supportive, whilst battling the jealousy she has towards Ashley. She is pushed out of sight and out of mind and just wants to be loved and reassured. This role proves that Cocker does vulnerability mixed with comedy like nobody else.