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Kitty Castledine

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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

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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

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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

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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

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  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.
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