Ashley Jensen's life from tragic loss to marriage with Vera star

This month, BBC audiences saw Ashley Jensen return as DI Ruth Calder in the enduring crime series Shetland.

The actress has recently commended the latest series for its gripping narrative, alongside the numerous fresh faces who have come aboard.

Nevertheless, prior to investigating crimes with co-star Alison O'Donnell, Ashley has appeared in numerous other renowned programmes.

Throughout her career, audiences have watched her perform in productions such as Extras, Ugly Betty, and Agatha Raisin.

Originally, her character in Ugly Betty was intended to be American, though after producers heard Ashley's accent, they altered Christina McKinney to be Scottish, reports the Daily Record.

As Ashley makes her return to television to assist in solving another dark mystery, we're exploring her personal journey, from her Shetland casting to enduring heartbreaking loss and her private marriage to a Vera actor.

Whilst the actress has appeared in numerous popular television programmes and films throughout the years, she's presently most recognised for portraying DI Ruth Calder in the BBC's Shetland.

Ashley became part of the ensemble in 2023 following actor Douglas Henshall's decision to depart his character DI Jimmy Perez in the cherished crime series.

When Ashley's appointment to the leading role was revealed, the 56-year-old admitted she faced considerable expectations to meet.

Discussing her involvement in the programme at the time, the performer remarked: "There will be a different dynamic with Ruth amongst the regular characters and a few more new interesting characters to enjoy.

"However, the integrity of the show and the world that has been created will remain very much in the same tone as the last seven seasons. It's a real privilege to be asked to lead this show into a new chapter. I can't wait to be working in Scotland again. I have missed it!"

Whilst working on a theatrical production of King Lear in 1999, Ashley encountered fellow performer Terence Beesley, whom she wed in 2007.

The couple welcomed one child together, a son named Francis, who arrived two years later in 2009. When discussing her son, she frequently calls him 'Frankie'.

Devastatingly, Terence was discovered deceased at their Somerset residence at the age of 60 eight years ago. A coroner determined that his death had resulted from suicide, with the cause being carbon monoxide toxicity.

In a statement delivered at the inquest at the time, Ashley said: "I was extremely shocked by what happened that night and I will never forget it.

"Terry and I had been together for 18 years but I had no idea he was capable of what he did."

Speculation began circulating that Ashley was developing a relationship for Vera star Kenny Doughty in 2021, following his separation from his former wife Caroline Carver.

They exchanged vows in 2023 during an intimate ceremony at the historic Priston Mill near Bath, accompanied by close family and friends.

A close friend told the Mirror that the day was filled with love, they said: "The day looked absolutely beautiful. Ashley looked just so, so happy. She was smiling and laughing, it was simply idyllic. There appeared to be so much love in that room."

Despite typically maintaining privacy around their relationship, Kenny appeared to pop by Ashley's Shetland filming location, as evidenced by his social media post featuring director Ruth Carney.

The married pair are set to portray on-screen lovers Sophia Moorhouse and William Butters in the forthcoming Wax Fruit adaptation.

Shetland is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.