Born in Liverpool, brought up in the North End of Birkenhead, Suzanne has always loved singing, dancing and acting and from the age of 2 she performed in many pantomimes, musical shows and competitions.
Whilst studying A Level Performing Arts in Dance, Drama and Music and English Language and Literature at Birkenhead Sixth Form College, she was encouraged by her drama teacher Drew Rolands to audition for the role of Nikki Shadwick in Channel 4's much loved soap opera 'Brookside'.Over the years, through her potrayal of 'Nikki', we saw her explore many contempory issues through a variety of demanding roles, which won her a special place in fans hearts.
After Brookside, Suzanne took time out to become a mum to her beautiful baby daughter Mya.
Suzanne has recently appeared as 'Sue Gilmore' in the BBC1 television series of 'Doctors'. In spring 2007 she also landed the role of 'Davina Coulson' in ITV1 s drama series The Bill.
Other credits include her first feature film ''Lycanthrophy' for the Rotunda Film Company which had its debut at The Cannes Film Festival. She has also starred in; 'Streetheat' an educational film about fire related antisocial behaviour, part of L'pools 'It s Not Ok' programme.
Suzanne has presented Wish You Where Here for ITV1 and Xchange for the BBC.
Last August she achieved tremendous critical acclaim as 'Maggie' at Liverpool 's Royal Court Theatre in the sensational comedy' Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels', which is returning by public demand for 6 weeks this year July-August, tickets sales are through the roof so book now if you want the best night out available in Liverpool.
Most recently applauded for her perfomance of the ' My Angry Vagina' monologue within the prestigous Vagina Monolgues, Suzanne supported 'V' day with compassion and excellence.
Straight from filming the feature film 'Step Dad' directed and starring with Mark Moraghan (Brookside's on screen dad Greg Shadwick and Holby City favourite ) Co -starring Ricky Tomlinson and Louis Emerick. Suzanne has enjoyed rekindling old friendships and is looking forward to the premiere later on this year.
Alongside fellow actress, Ann Davies, Suzanne is Co-Director of their own company 'High Horizons'. Particularly from their work on TV the girls recognised, through the power of the media the positive impact they have on young people as role models, female entrepreneurs and working mums. High Horizons offers a variety of stimulating workshops using drama as a vehicle to explore many issues. Most popular being their Anti Bullying Workshop which is supported by Anti-Bullying Alliance and Childline.Their specialist Script to Screen Workshop has led to young people making their own short films. Performing Arts Camps, Personal appearance, Guest Host events and private tuition.
As a big fan of Active Drama's productions, Suzanne is honoured to be a part of the Bully production and promises that in real life she is a nice person.
Suzanne Collins & Michael Shields skydive for Children in Need and The Rhys Jones Memorial Fund on Friday 20th November 2009. Not too late to sponsor: www.justgiving.com/suzanne-collins