Jessica Hynes

Jessica Hynes (née Stevenson) is a talented British actress, director, and writer, renowned for her contributions to comedy. She gained widespread recognition for her roles as Cheryl in the beloved sitcom The Royle Family (1998–2010), Siobhan Sharpe in both Twenty Twelve (2011–2012) and W1A (2014–2017), and Emily Yates in There She Goes (2018–2023). Hynes was also a key creator and writer, alongside Simon Pegg, of the cult classic series Spaced (1999–2001). Her impressive television credits also include the film Tomorrow La Scala! and the BBC dramas Years and Years (2019) and Miss Austen (slated for 2025). In film, she has appeared in popular franchises such as Bridget Jones (2004–2016), Nativity (2012–2018), and Paddington (2017–2024).

Born in Lewisham, London, Hynes was raised in Brighton after her parents separated, later returning to London as a young adult. With Welsh roots through her maternal grandmother, Hynes expressed a desire to learn the Welsh language and participated in the S4C series Iaith ar Daith in 2023, aiming to communicate in Welsh with her mother.

Early in her career, she formed a comedic duo with Katy Carmichael, performed at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, and appeared in various TV shows. Hynes received numerous accolades, including two BAFTA Awards, two International Emmy nominations, and a Royal Television Society Award for her work, particularly for her role in There She Goes, where she portrays a mother raising a child with a severe learning disability. In 2017, she made her directorial debut with the film The Fight.