Scottish actress Ashley Jensen has opened up about her decision to leave a high-profile life in Los Angeles and return to the UK, prioritising stability for her teenage son following a devastating family loss.
A Move for Motherhood and Stability
The 56-year-old star, known for roles in Ugly Betty and Shetland, spent six years living in Hollywood to advance her career. During that time, she mixed with A-list celebrities including Kate Winslet, Samuel L. Jackson, and Daniel Radcliffe. However, she ultimately chose to return to her roots, moving to Somerset, which she describes as the place she feels the strongest emotional connection to.
Ashley's primary motivation was her son, Frankie. She told The Times: 'I moved here to give Frankie as much space and stability as possible during his school years. It’s been a great decision.' She joked about the realities of life with a teenage boy, calling herself a 'clean freak' and lamenting the endless piles of laundry that mysteriously appear in his bedroom.
Finding Strength After Profound Loss
This search for stability came in the wake of an immense personal tragedy. Ashley shares Frankie with her late partner, EastEnders actor Terence Beesley. The couple had been together for 18 years before he died by suicide in 2017 at their Somerset home. Ashley found his body after returning from a day out with their then eight-year-old son.
Speaking at an inquest the following year, she said: 'Terry and I had been together for 18 years, but I had no idea he was capable of what he did.' The couple had met in 1999 and married in California before moving back to the UK.
Embracing Life and New Beginnings
In the years since, Ashley has focused on creating a nurturing home. She admitted their golden retriever, Lloyd, sheds constantly, leading her to abandon hopes of a pristine house. She has also become more open about celebrating her own achievements, inspired by her mother's passing.
'My home office has some photos hanging on the wall and my Emmy award nomination certificate,' she explained. 'My mum’s death made me think that you’ve just got to make the most of the time you’ve got. Be present every day and celebrate your achievements. So why not have these things on the wall?'
Ashley has also found love again. She secretly married fellow actor Kenny Doughty, 50, in 2023. The pair met on the set of the 2017 BBC drama Love, Lies And Records. A source told The Sun that Kenny had been 'an immense support' and that friends were 'absolutely delighted' for her second chance at happiness.
