Hylda Baker was a Lancashire comedian from Farnworth, Bolton. Born into a show business family, at the age of 10 she made her stage debut alongside her father. By her early teens she was writing, producing, and performing her own shows, and went on to spend decades touring and performing.

With the influence of industrial Lancashire behind her, she developed her own style, experimenting with singing, dancing, and film. She was best known for her stage double act with her silent stooge Cynthia. Baker's character was quite snobbish as she pretended to be high class, but her lack of style and malapropisms always gave her away.

Hylda became famous nationally after a guest appearance on the television show 'The Good Old Days' in 1955. Her highly successful television career included a starring role in the sitcom 'Nearest and Dearest' which was the highest rated comedy show produced by Granada TV at the time. In it she played Nellie Pledge, the co-owner of a pickle factory in Colne, Lancashire.

Hylda Baker was the most successful female comedian in Britain in the post war years and her battle for success as a solo female comedian helped pave the way for other women. Hylda may not have set out as a pioneer, but she accomplished what others could not at that time.