Maxine Peake criticises actors for turning their backs on Jeremy Corbyn

'I’m slightly annoyed with people in my business who backed him at one point and then, for whatever reason, probably their own personal interest, have now [abandoned him]

Maxine Peake (Getty Images)

The actress Maxine Peake has criticised actors who retracted their support for Jeremy Corbyn when his leadership of the Labour party was challenged after the Brexit result.

Mr Corbyn enjoyed an unprecedented level of high-profile support in the UK and elsewhere, with Danny DeVito emerging as a huge fan.

But the months after he was elected leader have been increasingly turbulent and deep divisions have emerged within the Labour party over his position at the helm.

In June, Ewan McGregor praised Mr Corbyn for refusing calls for his resignation.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Peake echoed his sentiment and voiced her exasperation at actors who had turned on him.

“I’m slightly annoyed with people in my business who backed him at one point and then, for whatever reason, probably their own personal interest, have now [abandoned him].”

"He’s so calm and collected and seems unruffled and unfazed by [the leadership contest]. I said 'How are you?’ and he just said 'Weathering the storm. It’ll be alright.’

“He’s just a great role model…He’s someone who’s got compassion. What’s wrong with wanting the best for everybody?”