Katherine Kelly, born on November 19, 1979, is an esteemed English actress. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Becky McDonald in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street (2006–2012), receiving numerous awards, including the British Soap Award for Best Actress in 2009 and the NTA for Best Serial Drama Performance in 2012.
Kelly has embraced a multitude of television roles post-Coronation Street, including portraying DI Jodie Shackleton in Happy Valley (2016), Lady Mae in Mr Selfridge (2013–2014, 2016), Miss Andrea Quill in Class (2016), Jane Lowry in Strike Back (2017–2018), DCI Natalie Hobbs in Criminal: UK (2019–2020), Elizabeth Sutherland in Gentleman Jack (2019–2022), Sally Wright in Innocent (2021), DI Karen Renton in Liar (2020), and Angela van Den Bogerd in Mr Bates vs The Post Office (2024).
Born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Kelly spent her formative years in both South Yorkshire and the USA. She has close ties with The Lamproom Theatre in Barnsley, founded in 1998 by her father John, who hails from Castleisland, County Kerry, Ireland.
Kelly underwent training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art alongside notable peers such as Meredith MacNeill, Leo Bill, Elliot Cowan, Laurence Fox, and actor/novelist Anna Hope, graduating in 2001.
Her breakthrough role came with her portrayal of Becky McDonald in Coronation Street from 2006 to 2012.
In addition to her television work, Kelly showcased her musical talents by singing the lead single, “If It’s Too Late,” from the 2010 album, Coronation Street: Rogues, Angels, Heroes & Fools, in character as Becky McDonald.
Post Coronation Street, Kelly demonstrated her stage prowess by portraying Miss Hardcastle in “She Stoops to Conquer” at the National Theatre in 2012.
Kelly’s television endeavors post-Coronation Street include notable roles such as Lady Loxley in Mr Selfridge, Maloney in The Field of Blood, and Alaura Kingsley in City of Angels.
In 2015, Kelly joined the cast of Happy Valley as DI Jodie Shackleton, a role that allowed her to use her native Yorkshire accent and involved shadowing police detectives for preparation.
She expanded her repertoire by appearing in various productions, including the BBC Three Doctor Who spin-off series Class and ITV drama Him in 2016.
Kelly ventured into film with roles in “Dirty God” (2018) and “Official Secrets” (2019), showcasing her versatility across different mediums.
Her television appearances continued with roles in Flack, Cheat, and Criminal: UK, demonstrating her range as an actress.
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