Her career began at age 3 at the Theatre Royal, Ashton-under-Lyne, which was then managed by her grandfather. She was later trained at the Art Educational School.
In September 2000 it was revealed that Amanda had been "economical" with the truth about her birth date. According to TV biographies and the official Corrie Street website, Amanda was born in September 1939. But, in fact, she was born a full four years earlier. Her birth certificate, under her real name of Shirley Anne Broadbent, revealed that she was born on September 14, 1935.
Is a collector of Victorian toys, especially wooden horses and teddy bears. Also collects religious icons.
Made her first appearance in pantomime at age 13 as a Sunshine Babe. She reportedly received her first big laugh in the show when she danced off stage and into the orchestra pit by accident.
Once had a romantic fling with Sixties pop idol Billy Fury.
Reached number 35 in the UK singles chart with a version of Frank and Nancy Sinatra's "Somethin' Stupid", a duet with her "Coronation Street" (1960) co-star Johnny Briggs. [December 1995]
Suffers from dyslexia
Widow of actor Robin Hunter and the daughter-in-law of actor Ian Hunter.