Lorraine Ashbourne emerges as a leading figure in British television
Lorraine Ashbourne has become a prominent presence in British television, appearing in a series of noteworthy roles that showcase her talent and versatility. This includes her chilling portrayal of a family crime boss in Sherwood and the comically beleaguered grandmother in Sophie Willan’s acclaimed Alma’s Not Normal, among others, which have kept her in the spotlight, reports BritPanorama.
At 65 years old, Ashbourne’s career is experiencing a revival. She has recently starred in Riot Women, a drama that has been one of 2025’s standout television offerings. In various roles, she has seamlessly combined elements of comedy and drama, which has attracted significant attention from both critics and audiences alike.
Ashbourne acknowledges her unexpected visibility in recent months, stating, “There’s been a glut of big programmes I’ve been in recently – it’s true. Obviously, it’s lovely to have your work appreciated, but I’m a very private person.” She remains candid about her desire to keep her personal life away from the public eye, conveying a sense of both humour and reluctance regarding media attention.
In the world of television, Ashbourne’s contributions are noteworthy. This week, she returns to the screen in the second season of ITV’s After the Flood, a unique police procedural with environmental themes. In this season, her character, Molly Marshall, faces personal challenges while her daughter Jo, a newly promoted detective, investigates a series of wildfires.
Ashbourne has shared her appreciation for the writing of the show, highlighting its focus on family dynamics and complex characters. “Mick writes really well about family, about people who can’t stand each other but can’t keep away from each other,” she explains, illustrating the depth with which the characters are portrayed.
Her forthcoming scenes involve intricate relationships shaped by shared secrets and differing parenting styles, which adds to the drama’s emotional weight. “I love the dynamic with my daughter in the show,” Ashbourne notes, indicating the compelling nature of the character interactions.
Despite her aversion to the cold, an aspect she faced while filming After the Flood, where her character engages in wild swimming, Ashbourne has adapted to the challenges. She describes her experiences with cold water swimming, stating, “I’ve got the key, the wristband, all the gear, everything. Even the bobble hat.” This highlights her commitment to both her role and the difficult conditions faced during filming.
Born in Manchester, Ashbourne’s path to acting was somewhat serendipitous. A formative experience came at age 16 when she worked as an usher at the Royal Exchange Theatre, where she was inspired by prominent actors. Following her education at drama school, she began securing roles but faced the industry’s notorious cyclical nature of employment.
Her marriage to fellow actor Andy Serkis, with whom she shares three children, has been a cornerstone of her personal life. Ashbourne’s insights on her children’s choices to pursue acting reflect her supportive yet realistic perspective on the profession’s challenges.
As she continues to thrive in varied roles, Ashbourne embraces the evolving nature of her career, stating, “The older we get, the more interesting we become.” This evolution has seen her engaging with characters and narratives that resonate strongly with contemporary audiences.
Notably, her performance in Riot Women has received significant acclaim, with Ashbourne believing it strikes a vital cultural chord. Looking ahead, she expresses enthusiasm for the series’ second season, eager to once again embrace the role that has allowed her to contribute something unique to the narrative landscape.
After the Flood is on ITV1 at 9pm on Sunday.
