Gillian Kearney
Template:Short description Template:Use British English Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Script error: No such module "infobox".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".Template:Wikidata image Gillian Louise Kearney[1] (born 9 May 1972) is an English actress best known for her early role as Debbie McGrath in Channel 4's Liverpool-based soap opera Brookside and the spin-off mini-series Damon and Debbie, and for playing Jessica Harrison in the long-running BBC television medical drama series Casualty, as well as Emma Barton in the ITV Yorkshire-based soap opera Emmerdale. The role of Emma gained her recognition because of character's involvement in Emmerdale’s most high-profile storylines during her three-year stint.
Early life
One of four children born to Gerard and Barbara (née Allerston) Kearney, Kearney has three brothers, including Tom, a professional footballer. Her father is a retired civil engineer, and her mother a school care worker.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Growing up in Aigburth, she attended St. John Almond RC High School, Garston,[2] where she gained nine GCSEs and four A-levels. She later trained at the Rose Bruford College.
Career
Her interest in acting began at secondary school. After repeatedly being overlooked for the lead roles in school productions, she decided to join the Liverpool Playhouse Youth Theatre, where she featured in plays including All Flesh is Grass (as Ema),[3] Katie Crackernuts and Yer Dancin'? It was there, in 1986, that she was spotted by members of the Mersey Television production team; this resulted in her being asked to audition for a role in Channel 4's soap opera Brookside. Kearney landed the role of Debbie McGrath, the girlfriend of Damon Grant, played by Simon O'Brien. When O'Brien decided to leave Brookside, he requested that his character be killed off so he wouldn't be tempted to return to the show. Because Damon was so popular, particularly with younger viewers, it was decided to create a "soap bubble" in which the character would meet his demise: the result, Damon and Debbie, became Britain's first mini-series spin-off from a soap opera.[4][5] A year after filming her final scenes, Kearney was asked to return for a few episodes. Christmas 1988 saw Debbie McGrath make an unexpected return to visit Sheila Grant, Damon's mother; she arrived with her baby, Simon – Damon's son.
Kearney played the young Shirley in the award-winning 1989 film Shirley Valentine.
She also had the lead female part as Ellie Brookes in Sex, Chips & Rock n' Roll, a six-part television mini-series written and created by Debbie Horsfield and directed by John Woods. It was produced by Wall to Wall for BBC One originally airing in 1999 before being adapted into a successful stage musical.
In 2002, Kearney landed the role of June Forsyte in the ITV1 adaptation of John Galsworthy's classic novel The Forsyte Saga. She later reprised the role for the second series. Following the success of The Forsyte Saga, Kearney's next role brought her back onto the ITV screen in its newest medical drama, Sweet Medicine. Kearney was cast as Dr Deborah "Deb" Sweet, and starred alongside Jason Merrells, who played her husband, and Patricia Hodge as her formidable mother-in-law. The show was intended to take up the mantle of the popular rural drama Peak Practice, which had recently ended, but low viewing figures saw Sweet Medicine axed after just one series.
In 2005, Kearney landed a role in Channel 4's hit series Shameless, playing the role of Marty Fisher's (Jack Deam) girlfriend, Sue Garland. She left the show along with her on-screen partner in 2007.[6] She had a number of television roles following her departure before landing the role of Jessica Harrison in Casualty, in January 2008. Kearney left Casualty in February 2010, but returned briefly to tie up the loose ends of her character's storyline in May 2010.
As of 2 January 2015, Kearney began appearing in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, in the role of Emma Barton, the estranged wife of James Barton (Bill Ward) and mother of their three sons Pete (Anthony Quinlan), Ross (Michael Parr) and Finn (Joe Gill). Kearney has received critical acclaim for her performance,[7] particularly when it came to the "No Return" week which saw the character hold James hostage and cause a huge crash that endangered the lives of seven Emmerdale residents; after Emma accidentally pushed James off the bridge, he later died. Kearney was nominated for Best Serial Drama Performance at the 2016 National Television Awards. In 2019, Kearney directed the 5Star woman's prison drama Clink.
Personal life
Kearney lived in Crouch End, North London, from July 2000,[8] and then rented a property in Clifton, Bristol, during her time appearing in Casualty.[9] She returned to live in Liverpool after the birth of her son; she also rented a home in Yorkshire where she filmed Emmerdale, and a holiday home on the Atlantic coast of County Clare, Ireland.[10]
In April 2009 Kearney mentioned, during a This Morning television interview, that she was seeing a final-year medical student called Eddie, whom she had met whilst in Bristol.[9] Early in 2010, Kearney announced her engagement to Eddie Foo and their intention to marry later that year in Ireland,[11] but the plans were soon put on hold when she discovered that she was expecting their first child. Kearney gave birth to an 8 lb 3 oz (3.7 kg) baby boy on 26 August 2010.[12]
Credits
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
1989 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Shirley Valentine | Young Shirley | |
2003 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Homecoming | Dushuri | Short |
2006 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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The Other Half | Holly Lamanuzzi | |
2006 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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The Lives of Saints | Christella | |
2006 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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London to Brighton | Kelly's next door neighbour | uncredited |
2013 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Harrigan | Bridie Wheland | |
2013 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Breakthrough | Judith | Short |
2014 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Sealed with a Kiss | Ginny | Short |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1986–1989 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Brookside | Debbie McGrath | Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Regular role |
1987 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Damon and Debbie | Debbie McGrath | Channel 4 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
3 episodes, Mini Series |
1990 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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The Final Frame | Cassy | Kinesis Films for Channel 4 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
TV movie |
1991 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Waterfront Beat | Helen | Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | 6 episodes |
1991 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Casualty | Mandy | BBC1 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
1995 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Men of the World | Jenny | BBC One Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
1996 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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The Tide of Life | Emily Kennedy | Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Mini Series |
1996 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Heartbeat | Susan Watkins | ITV Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
1997 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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The Ruby Ring | Elizabeth Langley | Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | TV movie |
1998 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Hetty Wainthropp Investigates | Debra Woolmer | BBC One Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
1998 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Liverpool 1 | Julie Callaghan | ITV Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
5 episodes |
1998 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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The Things You Do for Love | Young Joan | TV movie | |
1999 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Sex, Chips & Rock n' Roll | Ellie Brookes | BBC One Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
Mini Series |
2000 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Black Cab | Phil | Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | 1 episode |
2000 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Hope and Glory | Kitty Burton | BBC One Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
10 episodes |
2000 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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In His Life: The John Lennon Story | Cynthia Lennon | Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | TV movie |
2001 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Murder in Mind | Catrin Palmer | BBC One Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
2001 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Midsomer Murders | WPC Jay Nash | ITV Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
2001–2002 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Clocking Off | Lynne Watson | BBC One Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
2 episodes |
2002 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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The Real Jane Austen | Jane Austen | BBC Two Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
TV documentary |
2002–2003 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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The Forsyte Saga | June Forsyte | ITV Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
Mini Series |
2003 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Blue Murder | Lesley Tulley | ITV Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
2 episodes |
2003 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Sweet Medicine | Dr. Deborah Sweet | ITV Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
|
2005 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Where the Heart Is | Maria | ITV Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
2005–2007 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Shameless | Sue Garland | Channel 4 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
12 episodes |
2007 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Trial & Retribution | Gina Casper | ITV Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
2007 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Lilies | Miss Bird | BBC One Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
2008 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Primeval | Valerie Irwin | ITV Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
2008–2010 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Casualty | Jessica Harrison | BBC One Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
93 episodes |
2011 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Justice | Louise Scanlon | BBC One Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
|
2012 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Silent Witness | DI Bridges | BBC One Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
2 episodes |
2013 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Moving On | Danielle | BBC One Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
2014 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Suspects | Tamsin Shaffer | Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | 4 episodes |
2015–2017, 2024 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Emmerdale [13] | Emma Barton | ITV Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
Regular role; 355 episodes |
2024 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Vera | Deborah McSwain | ITV Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
1 episode |
Theatre
- Macbeth ... Lady Macduff, Witch; Everyman Theatre, Liverpool; 6 May – 11 June 2011[14]
- Strangers, Babies ... May; Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh; 23 February – 17 March 2007[15][16]
- The Flint Street Nativity ... Mary; Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool; 7 December 2006 – 20 January 2007
- Hedda Gabler ... Hedda Gabler
- Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool; 23 March – 15 April 2006[17]
- West Yorkshire Playhouse (Quarry Theatre), Leeds; 17 February – 11 March 2006[17]
- A Man of Principle ... Ruth; Colin's Bridewell, Liverpool; 26 October 2004[18]
- A Midsummer Night's Dream ... Hermia; Albery Theatre, London; 16 March – 12 May 2001[19]
- King Lear ... Cordelia; Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester; 9 September – 23 October 1999[20]
- The School for Wives ... Agnès
- Comedy Theatre, London; 6 May – 2 August 1997
- Piccadilly Theatre, London; 11 February – 26 April 1997
- Theatre Royal, Bath; 9–14 December 1996
- Festival Theatre, Chichester; 26–30 November 1996
- Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle upon Tyne; 18–23 November 1996
- Richmond Theatre, Richmond; 11–16 November 1996
- King's Theatre, Edinburgh; 5–9 November 1996
- Thorndike Theatre, Leatherhead; 8–26 October 1996
- The Rivals ... Lucy; Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester; 8 February – 23 March 1996
- When We Are Married ... Nancy Holmes; Festival Theatre, Chichester; 24 July – 17 August 1996
- The School for Scandal ... Maria; Everyman Theatre, Liverpool; 1992
- Othello ... Desdemona; Everyman Theatre, Liverpool; 1992
- Alice in Wonderland ... Alice; Everyman Theatre, Liverpool; 1991
- The White Devil ... Giovanni; Everyman Theatre, Liverpool; 1991
- Your Home in the West ... Sharon; Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester; 28 March – 13 April 1991
Radio
| Year | Title | Role | Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sex, Latte, Paperclips [13] | Michelle | BBC | |
2013 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Boots on the Ground [21] | Dr Callard | BBC Radio 4 |
2014 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Brief Lives [22] | DC Archer | BBC Radio 4 |
2014 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
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Bring Her Back [23] | Dr. Moira Leigh | BBC Northern Ireland |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Inside Soap Awards | Best Bad Girl | Nominated | [24] |
| 2016 | Inside Soap Awards | Best Bad Girl | Nominated | [25] |
| 2017 | 22nd National Television Awards | Serial Drama Performance | Nominated | [26] |
| 2017 | The British Soap Awards | Villain of the Year | Nominated | [27] |
| 2017 | Inside Soap Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [28] |
| 2017 | Inside Soap Awards | Best Bad Girl | Won | [29] |
| 2018 | 23rd National Television Awards | Serial Drama Performance | Nominated | [30] |
| 2018 | The British Soap Awards | Villain of the Year | Nominated | [31] |
References
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- ↑ Birth Registration Details Script error: No such module "webarchive". Ancestry.co.uk (Retrieved 16 July 2009)
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Jones, Catherine; "We've got talent! £25m Culture project launched" Script error: No such module "webarchive"., LiverpoolEcho.co.uk, 23 September 2008. Retrieved 16 July 2009
- ↑ Plunkett, Jon; "Brookside: the highs and lows" Script error: No such module "webarchive". The Guardian, 10 October 2002. Retrieved 16 July 2009
- ↑ Williams, Steve; Jones, Ian; Kibble-White, Jack; "Channel 4 at 25: 1987" Script error: No such module "webarchive". OffTheTelly.co.uk, November 2002. Retrieved 16 July 2009
- ↑ "Gillian Kearney as Sue" Script error: No such module "webarchive". Radio Times, January 2006. Retrieved 16 July 2009
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Leask, Annie; "Interview — Gillian Kearney: Mum's desperate for me to find a good man" Script error: No such module "webarchive". Sunday Mirror, 22 April 2002. Retrieved 16 July 2009
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Wise, Jon; "DOCTOR WOO!" The People, 10 January 2010. Retrieved 16 February 2010
- ↑ Miles, Tina; "Casualty star Gillian Kearney on becoming a mum and her recent Clapperboard role at Liverpool's FACT" Script error: No such module "webarchive". The Liverpool Echo, 25 September 2010
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ "Traverse Theatre Company: Strangers, Babies" Script error: No such module "webarchive". Traverse.co.uk (Retrieved 16 July 2009)
- ↑ Fisher, Mark; "Theatre; Strangers, Babies" Script error: No such module "webarchive". The Guardian, 2 March 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2009
- ↑ a b Butler, Billy; "Gillian Kearney Interview" Script error: No such module "webarchive". BBC (Radio Merseyside), 5 April 2006. Retrieved 16 July 2009
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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External links
- Gillian Kearney at IMDbTemplate:EditAtWikidataScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Script error: No such module "Authority control".
- Pages with script errors
- 1972 births
- Living people
- Actresses from Liverpool
- Alumni of Rose Bruford College
- English child actresses
- English television actresses
- English soap opera actresses
- English stage actresses
- English film actresses
- English radio actresses
- English Shakespearean actresses
- English people of Irish descent
- 20th-century English actresses
- 21st-century English actresses
- People from Aigburth