Biography
Simone was born in Stirling, Scotland on the 6th February 1965 to a Scottish mother and Algerian father. She also spent some time living in Edinburgh. She went to Drama school and Ballet school in Scotland.
Her previous work (before Bad Girls) includes a lot of theater work, TV and Film. But it is the role of Helen Stewart in the award winning drama Bad Girls that made people sit up and take notice. The issues raised in the show have gained her a huge fanbase in the lesbian and gay community. But Simone was working hard in TV, Film and Theater long before Bad Girls.
One of her first performances at drama school was playing the part of Cathy in Wuthering Heights, "That was just amazing to do," Simone said in an interview for the Bad Girls book. Her most notable TV work before the success of Bad Girls was a role on Thief Takers and also Young Person's Guide To Being A Rock Star. Simone's theater work is also very impressive. Harold Pinters play The Homecoming gave Simone a chance to shine on stage again in 2002. She has also gone on to have a small role in the BBC drama, Judge John Deed.
This was followed by a role in the ITV dramas Family - starring Martin Kemp, and Fallen - starring Jonathon Cake.
2004 has also meant a role in a short film, The Bird House, as well as a lead part in the BBC drama Monarch of the Glen.
While contracted to Monarch of the Glen, Simone found out she was pregnant and decided not to begin series 7 filming. In October 2006, she became the mother to a daughter who was called Skye.
More recently she has also filmed with Angus Deayton in a TV movie called Heartless and in Wire In The Blood with Robson Green.
"Stunning Scots actress Simone lahbib." - Simone and the S word in Bad Girls Book.
SUNDAY MAIL 11th May 2003
Fiona Young
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The couple exchanged their vows at the picturesque St Mary's Church, just yards from Simone's house.
More than 150 invited guests - including Bill star George Rossi - attended the service conducted by Father Loreto Tabone, a family friend.
He was joined at the altar by Father Ennoni Casulucci, who had travelled from Sardinia at the groom's request to conduct the service in Italian.
After the ceremony, Simone, 37 - who starred as a bisexual prison boss in the hit ITV drama - beamed with joy.
She said: "I cannot believe the sunshine held out. It is so special, this is the happiest day of my life."
Raffaello, 33, added: "It is fantastic, I feel I'm the luckiest man alive.
"All my family are here to support me and I think Simone is wonderful and she looks absolutely fantastic today."
Simone wore a stunning ivory strapless gown and smiled and waved when she arrived at the church.
Her father Joseph was dressed in a Royal Stewart tartan kilt.
Raffaello, whose films include Saving Private Ryan, admitted: "I did think of wearing a kilt. But then I am not Scottish so I went for something which would reflect my Italian heritage. So it was an Armani suit for me."
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Another article that appeared in another newspaper - no idea which one! Thanks to A Murray for the scan. |