She first hit screens in soaps and well known series like Coronation Street, The Bill, Bad Girls and dinnerladies. From there she moved onto films and gained worldwide recognition for her role as Anna in acclaimed TV drama Downton Abbey. Joanne returns to the small screen this evening in series two of ITV series Liar - look back through her career with these 16 photos.
9. The Knowlegde
She appeared on stage in John Donnelly's play The Knowledge at the Bush Theatre in West London in 2011. Photo: Getty Images/ Ian Gavan
10. Filth
Pictured at the London premiere of Filth in 2013, a film based on the novel by Irvine Welsh starring James McAvoy and Joanne as Mary. Photo: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
11. Screen Actors Guild Awards
Joanne celebrates onstage at the 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2015 in Los Angeles as Downton Abbey wins Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Photo: Getty Images/ Kevork Djansezian
12. Golden Globes
In January 2015 Joanne won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini-Series or TV Movie for her performance in Downton Abbey. Photo: Getty Images/ Paul Drinkwater/ NBC