Education
Hardwick studied Performing Arts at Park Lane College, Leeds and then attended Scala Performing Arts, Leeds.
Hardwick studied Performing Arts at Park Lane College, Leeds and then attended Scala Performing Arts, Leeds.
She is best known for her role as hospital receptionist Lizzie Hopkirk in the Independent Television drama series The Royal. In 2012, she accepted the role as a regular in Independent Television soap opera, Emmerdale as Vanessa Woodfield. Following which she has acted in the theatre as well as appearing on television
She has taken notable roles in Heartbeat and Coronation Street.
Michelle has appeared in three different episodes of the Independent Television United Kingdom television series Heartbeat (1995 as Sandra in "Toss up". 2002 as Lesley Sutton in "Coming of Age", which featured the death of character Personal Computer Tom Nicholson, played by Ryan Early.
And finally in 2003 as Lizzie Hopkirk in "Out of the Blue"). Hardwick appeared in Coronation Street in 1997 as Sheila Dixon and in 1998 as Naomi Russell.
Her biggest role came through her casting as receptionist Lizzie Hopkirk (Kennoway) in Independent Television United Kingdom television series The Royal.
The 1960s-set hospital drama was a spin-off from Heartbeat and soon gathered popularity on its own accountant Hardwick"s portrayal of the ditzy Lizzie (often referred to as "Dizzy Lizzie") was a firm favourite amongst viewers. Lizzie delivered some very funny lines, including "A woman needs a fish like a man needs a bicycle".
She was known for getting well-known phrases mixed up, malapropisms and general comedic lines.
A talented singer, Hardwick has sung on both The Royal and Abbamania2. However she has said that acting is her first love.
Hardwick has taken part in Race for Life events near her home to raise money for Cancer Research United Kingdom. She has spoken about her brother"s successful fight against skin cancer. Hardwick has been taken part in pantomimes taking the main parts of Snow White and Cinderella and stage shows such as Pete Gordon"s Murdered to Death and Death by Fatal Murder touring around the United Kingdom. In 2012, she had a minor role in Hollyoaks as Doctorate.I. Parker who arrested established character Mitzeee (Rachel Shenton).
In October 2012, it was announced that Hardwick had landed a role in Independent Television soap Emmerdale.
Vanessa was billed as a "self-assured party girl" who would be "like a breath of fresh air" when she arrived at the vets" practice. While Vanessa is always up for a laugh, she is also plain-speaking and instantly clashes with Rhona"s husband Paddy. Hardwick commented: "As a local girl and a fan of the show, Emmerdale is my dream job.
After only two days, I am starting to feel at home already and Vanessa is such a fun character.
I can"t wait to see what"s in store for her." Vanessa will appear on screens from December. Hardwick and Vanessa have proved popular with audiences, and with one of Vanessa"s storylines, the character has helped people to come out as gay.