Julie Walters to get a star on the Walk of Stars

The actress Julie Walters is to be honoured with a star on Birmingham's Walk of Stars on Broad Street, it was announced on 7 October.

Walters, who was born in Smethwick and grew up in the area, joins a growing list of stars honoured in the city.

A much-loved actress

Julie Walters is one of Britain's best-loved actresses. She was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Educating Rita in 1983, and has starred in films including Billy Elliot, Calendar Girls and the Harry Potter films, in which she plays Mrs Weasley. This year she has appeared in the hit film version of Mamma Mia!

She is also famous for her television work, including her long partnership with the comedian Victoria Wood, and has won several BAFTA awards.

The Walk of Stars

The Walk of Stars honours people from the Birmingham area, or with strong links to it, who have made their name in entertainment, sport and other fields. The idea came from a local man, Garry Raybould, and was developed by the Broad Street Business Improvement District, which runs and funds the scheme.

The first star was presented to Ozzy Osbourne in July 2007, at a ceremony in Centenary Square. He was followed by the comedian Jasper Carrott, who received his star in September 2007 in front of a crowd of 10,000 during ArtsFest, and by Noddy Holder of Slade, who was presented with his star on a canal boat during the Broad Street Christmas light parade.

Last month, a joint star was given to the Radio 4 series The Archers, which is recorded in Birmingham, and to its longest-serving cast member, Norman Painting. The motor racing commentator Murray Walker has also been honoured.

Putting Broad Street on the map

The scheme is intended to celebrate the talent that Birmingham has produced and to draw visitors to Broad Street, the city's main entertainment district, with its bars, clubs, restaurants and theatres. The stars are set into the pavement along the street.

More to come

Organisers say more stars are planned, with names to be announced in the coming months. Suggestions from the public are welcome.

For Walters, the honour is a recognition from the area where she grew up. She has often spoken of her Midlands roots, and her star will join those of other famous faces who have helped put Birmingham on the map.

Her work with Victoria Wood includes the comedy series Wood and Walters, the spoof soap opera Acorn Antiques, in which she played Mrs Overall, and the sitcom Dinnerladies.