Former Emmerdale actress Katherine Dow Blyton has shared fascinating insights about her leap to the big screen, working with James Bond legend Pierce Brosnan, and her contented life off-camera. The star, best known for playing vicar Harriet Finch on the ITV soap for nearly a decade, is stepping into her first major film role in the upcoming boxing biopic Giant.
From the Dales to the Big Screen
Dow Blyton, 61, takes on the part of Alma Ingle, the steadfast wife of legendary Irish boxing trainer Brendan Ingle, portrayed by Pierce Brosnan. The film, set in Sheffield, tells the true story of world champion Prince Naseem Hamed and his complex relationship with his trainer. For the actress, this marks a significant career milestone following a small part in 1996's Brassed Off.
"It was terrifying," she admitted about the responsibility of playing a real person. The role required a dramatic transformation, involving five different ginger wigs and a conscious decision to leave vanity behind. "You see yourself age on screen," she noted, adding that both she and Brosnan underwent a notable 'glow-down' for their characters.
Working with 007: "One of the Nicest Actors"
Despite initial starstruck nerves, Dow Blyton found Brosnan to be incredibly down-to-earth. "He's honestly one of the nicest actors I've ever worked with," she revealed. The camaraderie on set was evident, with the actress even sharing a filthy joke with the former Bond star between takes in Leeds, a moment she recalls with a laugh.
She described the surreal experience of meeting him: "You feel like you know so much about him already. Then suddenly there's this superstar in front of you going, 'Katherine, how's it going?' and giving you a big hug." She emphasised that the excitement quickly gave way to a natural and lovely working relationship.
Life After Emmerdale and Finding Contentment
Dow Blyton also opened up about her personal life, stating she is happily single and has been for about five years. She lives amicably with her ex-partner, Jason, after a 15-year relationship, citing their enduring friendship and shared care for their almost 16-year-old Border terrier, Dexter.
"Right now, no," she said when asked if she wants to find love again. "It takes too long... Unless someone's going to add something wonderful to my life, I'm fine. I'm 61 now, it all feels like a lot of hard work!" A brief, wine-fuelled foray into online dating ended in a panic, confirming it wasn't for her.
Professionally, she has rediscovered her passion for acting through theatre after feeling "a little jaded" towards the end of her Emmerdale tenure in 2022. She is currently rehearsing for a play called Gerry & Sewell, set to hit London soon, which she describes as another big tick on her career list.
The film Giant is scheduled for release in selected UK cinemas from Friday 9 January 2026.
