Welsh born Lesley Manning started making films at Bristol Art College where she graduated with 1st Class Honours. She trained at the National Film and Television School as a director and graduated to work on films and serials at the BBC. One of which was the cult hit Ghostwatch the highest rated single drama for 48 yrs – BBC Screen One film strand and named by Channel Four as the most controversial TV drama.

Lesley directed My Sisterwife BBC Screen Two film strand and won CRE best drama, Best Asian Film Award and was screened at Dinard and Brussels film festivals.