Joanna Higson (born 29 May 1983 in Horwich, UK) is an English actress. She graduated from Salford University with a First Class Honours degree in Media and Performance in 2006. She joined the cast of Shameless in series 6, playing the role of "Maxine". She appeared in the first series of Sky One production “Brassic” where she played a minor role. She reprised the role for series 2 playing a more prominent part as manager of a strip club with Erin (Michelle Keegan).