Kitty Castledine

Kitty Castledine
Castledine in 2024
Born (2002-08-22) 22 August 2002 (age 22)
Kingston, Surrey, England
OccupationActress
Years active2021–present
TelevisionEastEnders
Parents
RelativesLeo Castledine (brother)

Kitty Castledine (born 22 August 2002) is a British actress. Castledine is known for portraying the role of Penny Branning on the BBC soap opera EastEnders (2024–present).

Early life and education

Kitty Castledine was born on 22 August 2002 in Kingston upon Thames, Greater London, the daughter of former professional footballer Stewart Castledine and TV presenter Lucy Alexander.[1][2] She is also the sister of Leo Castledine, who plays for Chelsea.[1] In 2010 when she was seven, Castledine was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, which left her paralysed from her waist down, following a virus.[3]

Castledine trained at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).[4]

Career

In 2021, Castledine was cast in The Break as Katy for one episode, which was Castledine's first acting role.[5] In 2023 Castledine was cast for the role of Maggie in a short film Monotropa.[6] In 2024 Castledine was cast in a TV series Grace as Emma Brice for one episode.[7]

In 2024 Castledine took over the role of Penny Branning from Mia McKenna-Bruce on the BBC soap opera EastEnders.[8] Castledine's storylines on the soap have included sneaking illegal substances into the country and framing Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), a relationship with Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway), a feud with Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) after Chelsea was fired by Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Penny replaced her in the job, and her involvement in the crush at Peggy's.[9][10] Castledine opened up on Penny's disability and challenges in Albert Square, saying: "Not everything is accessible in life. And it's awful; it needs to change." Castledine also spoke out to the Daily 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."[3]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2021 The Break Katy Guest role; 1 episode [5]
2023 Monotropa Maggie Short film [6]
2024–present EastEnders Penny Branning Regular role [9]
2024 Grace Emma Brice Guest role; 1 episode [7]

References

  1. ^ a b Adams, Michael (25 September 2024). "EastEnders' Penny star Kitty Castledine has a very famous mum – and a famous brother". Metro.co.uk. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  2. ^ Quinn, Angie (29 August 2024). "EastEnders Penny star's famous family - TV presenter mum and footballer dad". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Akinwumi, Stella (2 January 2024). "EastEnders newcomer Kitty Castledine praises soap for 'highlighting the challenges disabled people face'". Metro. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Kitty Castledine". London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  5. ^ a b "The Break". BBC. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Monotropa". LAMDA. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  7. ^ a b Allday, Jasmine (15 September 2024). "Where you recognise Grace's Emma Brice from as star's famous family revealed". Leeds live. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  8. ^ Dainty, Sophie (12 December 2023). "EastEnders reveals new details on Lauren Branning's New Year return". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  9. ^ a b Daly, Helen (6 November 2023). "EastEnders confirms Penny Branning return after 15 years away". Radio Times. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  10. ^ Daly, Helen (26 August 2024). "EastEnders airs distressing club crush scenes with fan-favourites in danger". Radio Times. Retrieved 7 October 2024.