Maggie Steed (born Margaret Baker in Plymouth on 1st December 1946) made her television debut when she appeared in Coronation Street as gypsy Ellen Smith in October 1970 (credited as "Margaret Steed"). She had studied drama at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School but gave up the profession for several years in the 1970s as she was unable to find roles and worked as a secretary instead. Films roles include parts in The History Man and The Painted Veil while stage work includes productions of The Importance of Being Earnest, Relative Values, The History Boys, Noises Off and Hay Fever