Lorraine Ashbourne (born 7 January 1961) is an English actress.

Early life

Ashbourne was born 7 January 1961, in Manchester, England. She attended Wilbraham High School, when living in Fallowfield. She joined Stretford Children's Theatre. She took part in the University of Manchester Stage Society and Manchester Youth Theatre. She joined the Webber Drama School on 19 April 1982.

Career

Ashbourne has appeared on British series and television films, including: Playing the Field (1998), Unforgotten (2017), Grantchester (2017), Maigret in Montmartre (2017), Midsomer Murders (2018), The Street, and Jericho. As a stage actor, Lorraine regularly appeared at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, portraying roles such as Kate Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer and Emilia in Othello, acting in both of these alongside her husband Andy Serkis. In 2019, she starred as Barbara Castle in The Crown (2019), and from 2020, she starred as Mrs. Varley in Bridgerton. She played Joan Nuthall in Alma's Not Normal (2020), and was Daphne Sparrow in Sherwood (2022). She played Karen in I Hate Suzie (2024), and appeared in After the Flood (2024).

Personal life

In 1987, her boyfriend was actor Glyn Pritchard, who played chef Paul on Crossroads. She has been the partner of actor Andy Serkis from at least 1993, and had toured in a production in 1991, living in Hackney. On 22 July 2002, Ashbourne married Serkis. Their three children include Ruby and Louis.

Filmography

Film

Television

Stage work

Ashbourne's roles in the theatre include