Jessie Wallace is a British actress best known for her long-running role as Kat Slater in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.
She came to widespread attention after joining the show in 2000, and her performance as the lively and dramatic Kate became one of the most iconic characters in British soap history.
As well as EastEnders, Jess has appeared in other television roles showcasing her dramatic and musical talents, winning numerous accolades throughout her career.
contour
- Full name: Karen Jane Wallace
- Date of birth: September 25, 1971
- Age: 53 years old
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Enfield, London, England
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: Actor
- Height: 5’2″5’2″ (157 cm)
- Parents: James Wallace (father), Annette Wallace (mother)
- Siblings: Joanne Harman (sister), Danielle Mason (half-sister)
- Spouse: Not applicable
- Children: Tallulah Lilac Morgan
- Relationship status: Single (divorced from Dave Morgan)
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: White British
- Net worth: $5 million
early life and education
Jessie Wallace was born on September 25, 1971 in Enfield, North London. She will be 53 years old as of 2024. After her parents divorced when she was three, she was raised primarily by her father, James.
Annette’s mother remained close, but their father raised Jesse and her sister Joanne. Annette spent her early years in north London and despite facing some personal challenges, including issues with authority as a child, she found her way to becoming an actress.
Jessie attended a poor school in London, where she received acting training. Her career began modestly, but she quickly rose to fame after starring in EastEnders in 2000.
personal life
Jessie Wallace was previously in a long-term relationship with police officer Dave Morgan, with whom she has her only daughter, Tallulah Lilac), born in 2004. Shortly after the birth of their child, Jesse and Dave broke up.
Jesse has had a series of high-profile relationships over the years, none of which resulted in marriage. In 2022, Jessie became a grandmother when her daughter Tallulah gave birth to a son. Jessie remains a devoted mother and now grandmother, despite spending much of her personal life away from the public eye.
Profession
Jessie Wallace’s career took off in 2000 when she was cast as Kat Slater in EastEnders. The character is known for his brash personality, complex relationships, and memorable storylines, especially the iconic “You’re not my mother!” scene. Jesse’s portrayal of Kate won critical acclaim and multiple awards, making her one of the most recognizable faces on British television.
Jesse has also explored other roles outside of EastEnders, including playing Pat Phoenix in Coronation Street Road, for which he was nominated for a BAFTA. She also dabbled in theater and music, performing in musicals and recording duets with musician Tim Arnold.
As well as her theater work, Jessie also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2008, although she was eliminated early in the competition. Although Jessie took some hiatus on EastEnders due to personal issues and creative changes, she returned to the show multiple times and remained a starring role.
Awards
- National Television Awards Most Popular Newcomer (2001)
- British Soap Award for Best Actress (2011)
- British Soap Awards Sexiest Woman (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
- Television Fast Award for Best Soap Opera Actress (2003)
- BAFTA Television Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress (2011 Road to Coronation Street)
net worth
Jessie Wallace’s Wallace net worth is approximately $5 million. Her wealth comes primarily from her long run on EastEnders as well as her work in other television roles, theater productions and music.
Her return to EastEnders and various endorsement deals and appearances have helped her maintain her financial success.
dispute
Early in her career, Jessie’s relationships were often tabloid fodder, particularly her relationship with ex-convict Paul Whitworth, which led to warnings from BBC executives.
In 2003, Jessie was suspended from EastEnders for excessive partying and drinking, leading to her temporary exit from the show. One of her most high-profile incidents occurred in 2003, when Jesse was arrested for drunk driving, which attracted further negative media attention.
The BBC offered advice and she returned to the show after a brief hiatus. In 2020, Jess faced suspension from EastEnders again due to unspecified incidents on set, although she returned to the show after a two-month hiatus.
In 2022, Jesse made headlines again when he was arrested for assaulting a police officer outside a nightclub. Although she was released without formal charges, the incident prompted police warnings and EastEnders producers to issue a formal warning for her behaviour.
Despite these personal challenges, Jessie’s acting career remained largely unaffected and she remains a prominent figure in British television.
social media
- Instagram: Not applicable
- Twitter: N/A
film chronology
- Act(1999)
- EastEnders (2000–2005, 2010–2016, 2018–present)
- Coronation Street Road (2010)
- Class Separation(2007)
- Wild at Heart(2008)
discography
- Soho Sunset (duet with Tim Arnold, 2015)
