Deena trained at the 'Arts Educational Trust' for dance and drama and danced through the early 70's on stage and TV.
Finding a bit of a singing voice led her into session singing and working with bands, B A Robertson, Cats UK (Luton Airport), Alan Price and musical theatre performing in many productions including Caberet, Only In America, Who's A Lucky Boy? One Careful Owner and in the original west end cast of 'They're Playing Our Song'.
TV work in 'The Bill', 'Tales of Sherwood Forest' and
1993-2011 playing Viv Windsor ( Hope) in Emmerdale for 18 years.
Many various TV chat show/ game show appearances.
Deena had recently directed and choreographed the video promo for a new musical written by Steve Grant and Max Barton for 'Roll over Productions' of which she is co-producer.
Her acting debut was in a "Not The 9 O Clock News' fringe news revue and then 'Steaming' in rep at Hornchurch. Deena also worked as Bob Thompson's assistant director and choreographer.
Winner of 'Celebrity Stars in your Eyes'
Nominated for 'Best comedy actress and Best comedy couple'
Recent appearances on 'Loose Women" 'Top Dog' and 'Celebrity Pointless'.
Deena has headlined at the Manchester Opera House as the Wicked Queen in Snow White at the Darlington Civic as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella and as Carobosse at the Grand Theater in Sleeping beauty and many other Pantos. Oh yes she has!
Deena was more than happy to bring her husband Steve's ideas for his project' Barok' (Classical Rock) into reality, auditioning ballet dancers for our 'pool' of cygnets, designing costumes, choreographing and shoving ideas around!! Its great to get back to my theatrical roots and be able to support my husband in this exciting project.
Since leaving Emmerdale in January 2011, Deena has performed as Cora in three tours of the highly successful play Calendar Girls, made a guest appearance on 'True Crime' a new documentary stlye series requiring improvisation from the actors. Most recently appeared in 'On Tidy Endings' by Harvey Fierstein at the Tristan Bates theatre, Covent garden, receiving great reviews. Recently toured in the Madness musical 'Our House'
"Deena Payne from ‘"Deena Payne from ‘Emmerdale’ is impressively composed as the sharp-suited wife Marion"Emmerdale’ is impressively composed as the sharp-suited wife Marion"
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"On Tidy Endings" really is an extraordinary compelling piece of theatre, carried by the magnificent Deena Payne who gives a truly heartbreaking performance".
