जीवनी

Was originally chosen to play Sue Osman in EastEnders (1985) before producers decided to cast her as the younger character Kathy Beale and Sandy Ratcliff as Sue.

As of 2022 she is the 3rd-longest serving actress in the history of EastEnders (1985) (tied with Natalie Cassidy, and behind only June Brown, and a tied Pam St. Clement and Letitia Dean), having played the character Kathy Beale for a total of 22 years (initially from 1985 until 2000, and then from 2015 onwards).

Appeared in a 1983 public information film urging motorists not to drink and drive with the slogan "Fancy a jar, forget the car".

Is just 13 years older than Adam Woodyatt, who plays her son on EastEnders (1985).

Was in a long-term relationship with Geoff Knights from November 1986 to June 2009. During their time together they had a daughter, Jessica Rae (born February 1992), and a son, Harrison Knights (born April 1999).