Kate Holderness Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Partner, Movies, Parents, Net Worth, Children

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Kate Holderness is a British actress, writer, and broadcaster who has built a multifaceted career in the entertainment industry. Born on February 17, 1984, in Preston, Lancashire, she began acting at a young age, securing her first role in the CITV show Knight School in 1997. She is perhaps best known to television audiences for her work in period dramas and soaps, having appeared in the BBC docu-drama Henry VIII and His Six Wives (2016) as Catherine Parr and in Elizabeth I (2017). Her acting credits also include appearances in long-running British staples such as Emmerdale, Coronation Street, and Heartbeat.

Beyond her acting career, Holderness is widely recognized for her long-term relationship with BBC Radio 1 DJ and broadcaster Adele Roberts. The couple has been together for nearly two decades and are known for their collaborative creative projects. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, they launched a popular YouTube channel and social media series called “Fakeaway Factory,” where they recreated famous fast-food dishes at home. This lighthearted venture garnered a significant following and showcased their chemistry as a couple, eventually leading to the BBC series Friday Night Fakeaway.

In recent years, Holderness has drawn public admiration for her advocacy and personal resilience. Following Adele Roberts’ diagnosis with bowel cancer in 2021, Holderness played a crucial and public role as her primary caregiver. She has been vocal about the challenges of the disease and the reality of life with a stoma, working alongside Roberts to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding bowel cancer and ostomy bags. Their shared journey has made them prominent figures in health advocacy and LGBTQ+ representation in the media.

In addition to performing, Holderness is a writer and illustrator. She has worked on a children’s adventure novel titled The Full Moon Society, which was selected for the London Library’s Emerging Writers Programme. Her illustrations have appeared in published works, and she continues to engage with creative writing projects.

Early Life and Background

Birth and Roots

Kate Holderness was born on February 17, 1984, in Preston, Lancashire, England. Growing up in the north of England, she developed a grounded personality that she has maintained throughout her career in the spotlight. Her Lancashire roots are a point of pride, and she often references her northern upbringing in her social media and public appearances. The cultural shift from the quiet, community-focused environment of Preston to the fast-paced energy of London played a significant role in shaping her worldview.

Family and Upbringing

Details about Kate’s parents are kept relatively private, respecting their life away from the cameras. However, it is known that her family has been a supportive force throughout her life. In interviews, she has mentioned her father’s fascination with London’s multiculturalism, noting how he marvelled at the harmonious mix of cultures in the capital compared to their hometown. This supportive family environment likely fostered Kate’s confidence to pursue a career in the unpredictable world of performing arts.

Education and Training

Kate discovered her passion for performance at a young age. While specific details of the drama school she attended are not publicly disclosed, her early entry into the industry suggests she received training that honed her natural abilities. Her career began effectively in her teenage years, indicating that her “schooling” was as much on professional sets as it was in a classroom. This practical experience gave her a professionalism and range that would serve her well in her adult career.

Career Highlights

Early Acting Roles

Kate Holderness’s professional acting career kicked off in 1997 when she landed a role in the CITV series Knight School. This early exposure to television production set the stage for a steady career in British TV. Over the years, she became a familiar face to viewers of the UK’s most popular soap operas.

She notably appeared in Emmerdale in multiple distinct roles, a testament to her ability to inhabit different characters convincingly. Her first appearance was in 2002 as Heather Bolger, followed by roles as Nurse Pamela Smithson in 2007, an Estate Agent in 2011, and another nurse between 2015 and 2018. In addition to Emmerdale, she secured a recurring role as Jamie-Lee in Coronation Street (2013) and appeared in the nostalgic police drama Heartbeat (2003).

Period Dramas and Historical Roles

One of the highlights of Holderness’s acting portfolio is her work in historical docu-dramas. Her classic look and poise made her an excellent fit for period pieces. In 2016, she portrayed Catherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, in the BBC series Henry VIII and His Six Wives. Her performance was praised for bringing a human depth to the historical figure. She followed this up with a role in the 2017 series Elizabeth I, further cementing her credentials in the genre of historical reenactment and drama.

Presenting and Reality Television

Kate’s charisma naturally transitioned into presenting and reality TV. One of her most celebrated unscripted appearances was on Celebrity Coach Trip in 2020. Competing alongside Adele Roberts, the couple won the series, endearing themselves to the nation with their supportive dynamic and humour.

The couple also launched Friday Night Fakeaway, a show born from their online content where they attempted to recreate healthy versions of popular takeaway foods. The concept began as a lockdown hobby but quickly grew into a brand of its own, leading to a BBC series.

Writing and Illustration

Beyond the camera, Kate Holderness is a talented writer and artist. When the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down acting productions, she turned her focus to writing. She penned a children’s adventure novel titled The Full Moon Society, which showed such promise that she was selected for the prestigious London Library Emerging Writers Programme.

Her artistic skills are also well-established. She served as the illustrator for film critic James King’s book, Be More Keanu (2020). Her whimsical and distinctive doodle style added a unique visual layer to the book. Furthermore, her artwork has been used in significant campaigns; her “Proud People” illustration was chosen as the cover image for The Guardian newspaper’s supplement during Lesbian Visibility Week, highlighting her intersection of art and activism.

Digital Content: The Fakeaway Factory

During the 2020 lockdowns, Kate and Adele launched the “Fakeaway Factory” on YouTube and Instagram. What started as a way to pass the time and eat healthier became a viral sensation. Their chemistry—Kate as the often-exasperated but loving chef and Adele as the enthusiastic taster/assistant—struck a chord with followers.

Personal Life

Relationship with Adele Roberts

Kate Holderness is in a long-term partnership with Adele Roberts. The couple met in 2004, a story they have shared fondly. Kate had seen a female DJ at a nightclub and decided she wanted to learn the skill. A mutual friend introduced her to Adele, who was then a presenter at Rock FM in Lancashire. According to Kate, she felt an instant, “twin soul” connection the moment they met. They have been inseparable ever since, building a life founded on mutual respect and shared creative ambitions.

Why They Are Not Married Yet

Despite being together for two decades and often referring to each other as “fiancée” or partners for life, the couple has not yet legally married. Adele Roberts has publicly explained that the delay is partly due to her feeling “overwhelmed” by the logistics, specifically the choice of wedding attire, as she struggles with fashion decisions compared to Kate’s effortless style. Additionally, their focus in recent years shifted entirely to Adele’s health battles, making a wedding a secondary priority to survival and recovery. However, they have expressed that they feel married in spirit and plan to tie the knot when the time is right.

The Cancer Journey and “Audrey”

In October 2021, their lives were turned upside down when Adele was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer. Kate became Adele’s primary caregiver, a role Adele has described as heroic. Kate managed Adele’s medication, helped her dress her stoma (which they affectionately named “Audrey” to normalize the experience), and provided unwavering emotional support.

Kate was instrumental in documenting their journey on social media. By filming Adele’s treatment and recovery, they demystified bowel cancer and stoma bags for thousands of people. Kate’s strength during this period—often hiding her own tears to be strong for Adele—was widely praised. The experience brought them “closer than ever,” solidifying their bond in the face of a life-threatening crisis.

LGBTQ+ Advocacy

As a visible lesbian couple in the public eye, Kate and Adele have become role models for the LGBTQ+ community. Kate has spoken about her own lack of role models growing up and how she feared coming out would make her “weird.” By living openly and joyfully, she aims to be the representation she wished she had as a child. They regularly participate in Pride events and use their platform to champion diversity and inclusion in the media.

Net Worth

While Kate Holderness’s exact financial details are not publicly disclosed, her net worth is estimated to be in the range of £1 million to £2 million. This accumulation comes from her steady work in the entertainment industry over two decades. Her income streams are diverse, including:

Acting Fees: Residuals and fees from recurring roles in major soaps like Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
Presenting: Contracts for shows like Friday Night Fakeaway and appearances on reality TV.
Publishing: Earnings from her illustration work on Be More Keanu and potential advances for her writing projects.
Digital Partnerships: Brand collaborations and sponsored content on her social media platforms, where she has a significant engagement rate.

Conclusion

Kate Holderness is far more than just a supporting figure in a celebrity power couple; she is a dynamic talent in her own right. Her career is a tapestry of dramatic acting, comedic presenting, and creative writing, all underpinned by a deep sense of humanity. Whether she is transporting audiences to Tudor England, making them laugh in a kitchen, or advocating for health and equality, she does so with grace and authenticity. Her steadfast support of Adele Roberts through cancer has endeared her to the nation, revealing a depth of character that complements her professional achievements.

FAQs

Is Kate Holderness married to Adele Roberts?

No, they are not legally married yet. They have been together since 2004 and consider themselves partners for life, but have delayed the wedding due to life events like Adele’s cancer diagnosis and the logistics of planning.

How old is Kate Holderness?

Kate Holderness was born on February 17, 1984, making her 41 years old as of early 2025.

Is Kate Holderness related to Sue Holderness?

No, Kate Holderness is not related to Sue Holderness, the actress best known for playing Marlene in Only Fools and Horses, despite sharing the same surname and profession.

What soaps has Kate Holderness been in?

She has appeared in Emmerdale (playing four different characters over the years), Coronation Street (as Jamie-Lee), and Heartbeat.

Does Kate Holderness have any children?

No, Kate and Adele do not have children. They focus on their careers, their advocacy work, and their life together in London.

What book did Kate Holderness write?

Kate wrote a children’s adventure novel titled The Full Moon Society. She also illustrated the book Be More Keanu by James King.

How did Kate Holderness meet Adele Roberts?

They met in 2004 through a mutual friend. Kate wanted to learn how to DJ and was introduced to Adele, who was a radio presenter at the time.

What role did Kate play in Elizabeth I?

In the 2017 docu-drama Elizabeth I, Kate Holderness played a role in the historical reenactments, similar to her role as Catherine Parr in Henry VIII and His Six Wives.