Kitty Castledine (born 22 August 2002) is a British actress. Castledine is most known for portraying the role of Penny Branning on the BBC soap opera EastEnders (2024–present), and for portraying the role of Emma Brice on television series Grace in 2024.
Kitty Castledine | |
|---|---|
| Born | 22 August 2002 |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2021–present |
| Television | EastEnders (2024–present) |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Parents |
|
Life and career
editKitty Castledine was born on 22 August 2002 in Kingston, Surrey, England.[1] Castledine trained at London academy of music and dramatic art.[2] In 2021 Castledine was cast in The Break as Katy for one episode which was Castledine's first acting role.[3] In 2023 Castledine was cast for the role of Maggie in a short film Monotropa.[4] In 2024 Castledine was cast in a TV series Grace as Emma Brice for one episode.[5]
In 2024 Castledine took over the role of Penny Branning from Mia McKenna-Bruce on the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2024.[6] Castledine's storylines on the soap have included sneaking illegal substances into the UK and framing Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), relationship with Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway), feud with Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) after Chelsea was fired by Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Penny replaced her job, involvement in the crush at Peggy's.[7][8] Castledine opened up on Penny's disability and challenges in Albert Square, she said "Not everything is accessible in life. And it's awful, it needs to change." Castledine also spoke out to The Mirror adding "It's really important that disability is visible on screen, because there hasn't been a lot of representation, and I'm proud to be someone representing disability."[9]
Personal life
editKitty is the daughter of former professional footballer Stewart Castledine and TV presenter Lucy Alexander.[1][10] She is also the sister of Leo Castledine who played for Chelsea.[1] In 2010, when she was seven years old, Castledine was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, which left her paralysed from her waist down, following a virus.[9]
Filmography
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | The Break | Katy | Guest role (1 episode) | [3] |
| 2023 | Monotropa | Maggie | short film | [4] |
| 2024–present | EastEnders | Penny Branning | Regular role | [7] |
| 2024 | Grace | Emma Brice | Guest role (1 episode) | [5] |
References
edit- ^ a b c Adams, Michael (25 September 2024). "EastEnders' Penny star Kitty Castledine has a very famous mum – and a famous brother". Metro.co.uk. Michael Adams. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "London academy of music and dramatic art". LAMDA. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ a b "The Break". BBC. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Monotropa". LAMDA. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ a b Allday, Jasmine (15 September 2024). "Where you recognise Grace's Emma Brice from as star's famous family revealed". Leeds live. Jasmine Allday. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (12 December 2023). "EastEnders reveals new details on Lauren Branning's New Year return". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ a b Daly, Helen (6 November 2023). "EastEnders confirms Penny Branning return after 15 years away". Radio Times. Helen Daly. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Daly, Helen (26 August 2024). "EastEnders airs distressing club crush scenes with fan-favourites in danger". Radio Times. Helen Daly. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Akinwumi, Stella (2 January 2024). "EastEnders newcomer Kitty Castledine praises soap for 'highlighting the challenges disabled people face'". Metro.co.uk. Sella Akinwumi. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Quinn, Angie (29 August 2024). "EastEnders Penny star's famous family - TV presenter mum and footballer dad". Manchester Evening News. Angie Quinn. Retrieved 6 October 2024.