Jennifer Joanne Metcalfe (born 15 october 1983) is an English actress. She is known for her role as Mercedes McQueen in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, which she has appeared in since 2006. Her portrayal of the character has led to her reprising the role in the programme's spin-off series Hollyoaks Later between 2008 and 2020. She appeared as a contestant in the sixth series of Dancing on Ice in 2011, where she finished in tenth place.
Early life
Metcalfe was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire and grew up on the Holme Wood housing estate.[1] She attended the Scala Kids drama school in her hometown. In between acting jobs, Metcalfe worked as a fitness instructor in Bradford.[1]
Metcalfe's breakthrough role occurred in 2006, when she was cast as Mercedes McQueen in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks.[2] She had previously been considered for the role of Claire Devine before her character was created.[3] Metcalfe was the first actress to be cast in the soap by executive producer Bryan Kirkwood.[4]
Her role in Hollyoaks has led to her appearing in its late-night spin-off series Hollyoaks Later, first appearing in the first series in 2008.[5] It was announced in April 2010 that she would return to the series for its third series later that year,[6] and she continued in the role for series 4 and series 5.[7][8] Despite the show concluding in 2013, a one-off special was broadcast in 2020, with Metcalfe returning once again in a main role.[9]
On 19 December 2010, it was announced Metcalfe would take part in the sixth series of ITVwinter sportscompetitionDancing on Ice.[10] She was partnered with Sylvain Longchambon and was the seventh celebrity eliminated from the competition when she finished in the bottom two of the leaderboard along with fellow contestant Vanilla Ice, who was saved by the judging panel.[11]
Metcalfe quit Hollyoaks in August 2014.[12] Her character, Mercedes, appeared to have been killed off on 18 November, only to return unexpectedly in February 2015, alive after all, with Metcalfe back in the role on a permanent basis.[13]
Personal life
Metcalfe was previously in a relationship with footballer Jermaine Pennant.[14] She confirmed her first pregnancy in February 2017 to former Geordie Shore star Greg Lake.[15][16] She gave birth to a son on 20 June 2017.[17] Metcalfe and Lake split in 2020.[18]
She co-owns the clothing rental boutique, The Closet, in Liverpool with Hollyoaks co-stars Claire Cooper and Leah Hackett, which opened in April 2010.[19]
