Scott and Bailey stars Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp have been appointed as the first ambassadors of the Bruntwood Prize, which encourages writers of any background and experience to submit unperformed plays to be in with a chance of winning a share of the £40k prize fund.

Sharp commented 'The Bruntwood Prize is renowned for discovering writers that have urgent, exhilarating and unique voices. Voices that would perhaps not be heard, plays that would not be seen if it wasn't for the prize. Writers that shape and change theatre, that ask us questions about our world, that offer us insights and perceptions we are thrilled and unnerved and entertained by'.