Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
2 weeks ago
United Kingdom Ashley Jensen is a Scottish actress and narrator known for her wide range of roles in television and film, from comedic to dramatic performances.
Featured in a 60-second Christmas advert for Waitrose, showcasing that “the best bit of Christmas is the food” at any time or occasion. The campaign positioned food as the star of Christmas and marked Waitrose's separation from John Lewis in their festive advertising.
A loyal celebrity supporter since 2011, lending her voice to fundraising appeals and media campaigns. She hosted an exclusive premiere for schoolchildren to launch a new Shaun the Sheep animation for Save the Children's Christmas Jumper Day.
Created in partnership to highlight where to look for new Shetland star Ashley Jensen, from Agatha to Catastrophe.
Backed The Sun's Cosy at Christmas campaign and praised it as a ray of light.
Ashley Jensen was born on August 11, 1969, in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. She is of Danish and Scottish heritage. Jensen trained in Drama at Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University and was a member of the UK’s National Youth Theatre, laying the foundation for her acting career. Her early television appearances included a role as Clare Donnelly in the 1993 BBC drama “Down Among the Big Boys” and as Rosie McConnichy in the BBC comedy “May to December” in 1994. She also appeared as Heather in “Roughnecks” from 1994 to 1995 and had roles in “Dangerfield” and “EastEnders.” From 1998 to 2000, she played PC Sue Chappell in “City Central,” showcasing her versatility early on.
Jensen gained significant recognition for her role as the socially inept Maggie Jacobs in the BBC Two/HBO television programme “Extras,” co-starring with Ricky Gervais from 2005 to 2007. This role earned her best television comedy actress and newcomer awards at the 2005 British Comedy Awards, and later a BAFTA nomination and an Emmy Award nomination for the 2007 Christmas Special. Following this success, she secured her first major American television role as Christina McKinney in the ABC series “Ugly Betty,” where she initially played an American character but later maintained her Scottish accent due to producer preference. She appeared in “Ugly Betty” from 2006 to 2010, starting as a regular cast member and making a return guest appearance.
Throughout her career, Jensen has continued to take on diverse roles. In 2014, she starred as the lead character in the television film adaptation of M. C. Beaton’s novel “Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death,” reprising the role for the subsequent eight-part series from 2014 to 2022. She also appeared in the comedy series “Catastrophe” from 2015 to 2019 and reunited with Ricky Gervais in the Netflix black comedy series “After Life” from 2019 to 2022. Her voice acting credits include Bryony in “Arthur Christmas” (2011), Nanette in “Gnomeo & Juliet” (2011), and Jock in “Lady and the Tramp” (2019). In 2022, she joined the cast of the BBC drama “Shetland” as DI Ruth Calder, a role she continued into 2023 and 2024, further solidifying her presence in British television.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
