Biography

Katherine was born and raised in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England. As the daughter of Irish parents, Katherine spent much of her childhood in County Kerry, Ireland and was also schooled in America, where she lived for a number of years. Since graduating from the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Katherine Kelly has consistently worked throughout theatre, television and film, showcasing her unique versatility.

Most recently, Katherine was seen in ITV's critically acclaimed "The Long Shadow" as Emily Jackson and played Angela Van Den Bogerd in "Mr Bates Vs The Post Office" (ITV). She also plays Vicky in the new ITVX comedy "Ruby Speaking".

Katherine's screen highlights include her leading role as 'DI Natalie Hobbs' in Netflix's International Emmy-nominated interrogation drama "Criminal: UK"; ITV's prime time crime drama "Innocent"; the second series of Chris Lang's hit psychological drama "Official Secrets" (eOne/IFC) also starring Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes and Matt Smith; the BIFA and Sundance Festival nominated "Dirty God"; "Liar" with Joanne Froggatt; 'Lady Mae' in ITV's "Mr Selfridge"; ITV four-part chilling drama "Cheat" opposite Molly Windsor; the BBC adaptation of John Le Carré's spy thriller "The Night Manager"; Sally Wainwright's multi award-winning "Happy Valley"; Sky One series "Strike Back"; TV mini-series "Him" with Fionn Whitehead; the Sky hit comedy "Bloods" alongside Jane Horrocks; "The Last Train to Christmas" (Sky Cinema) starring alongside Michael Sheen; BBC Dr. Who spin-off series "Class"; and playing the role of 'Elizabeth Sutherland' in the second series of historical BAFTA and RTS nominated drama "Gentelman Jack" (BBC/HBO).

Katherine began her professional career in theatre, with projects at the Chichester Festival Theatre and Manchester Royal Exchange before joining the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in 2004/5. Credits following include Jamie Lloyd's critically acclaimed production of Oliver Goldsmith's "She Stoops To Conquer" at The National Theatre and Josie Rourke's "dazzling revival" of "City of Angels" at the Donmar Warehouse, "vamp-ooning to perfection as Alaura" (Variety).

The critically acclaimed fictional podcast "Curl Up and D.I." was launched in 2021. Written and directed by Tony Pitts and produced by Katherine Kelly, the comedy is set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Slatby Bay. It stars Jim Moir (Vic Reeves), Mark Benton, Morgana Robinson, Katherine Kelly and Burn Gorman, it quickly soared to the top of the fiction podcast charts, claiming the Number 1 spot. It was one of The Guardian's chosen Podcasts of the Year.

Katherine plays DCI Hannah Wheatley in the new ITV drama 'Protection' with Siobhan Finneran launching in 2024. And is working with Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith on their final series of Inside Number 9.

- IMDb mini biography by: Katherine Kelly