Carley Stenson | |
|---|---|
 Stenson in 2011 | |
| Born | (1982-09-22)22 September 1982 (age 42) Wigan,Greater Manchester, England |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Television | |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
Carley Stenson (born 22 September 1982) is an English actress and singer. She is known for her roles asSteph Cunningham in theChannel 4 soap operaHollyoaks andHarriet Shelton in theBBC soap operaDoctors. For her role as Steph, she received numerous nominations at theBritish Soap Awards.
Stenson leftHollyoaks in 2010 to focus on musical theatre acting and has since played roles such asElle Woods inLegally Blonde: The Musical andFantine inLes Misérables. In 2023, she competed in thefifteenth series ofDancing on Ice.
Stenson was born on 22 September 1982 inBillinge Higher End,Wigan.[1][2] As a child, she competed in talent competitions hosted by theSt Helens Star.[3] Whilst starring inLegally Blonde: The Musical, she met actorDanny Mac. The pair began dating in 2011, and got married in 2017.[4] In March 2021, the pair announced that they were expecting their first child together.[5] She gave birth to a daughter in June 2021.[6] Followed by a second child in April 2024.
Stenson auditioned for theChannel 4 soap operaHollyoaks, for the role of a friend of the characterZara Morgan (Kelly Greenwood).[7] The audition was successful, but the casting team told her to audition for the role ofSteph Cunningham instead, which she received.[8] Stenson joined the cast after leaving secondary school, aged 17.[9] In 2010, she announced that she would be leaving to pursue musical theatre.[10] She recorded versions of "If I Could Turn Back Time" and "About You Now", both of which were featured in separate episodes ofHollyoaks to coincide with the death of her character.[11]
Stenson's theatre work has included LondonWest End theatre appearances asPrincess Fiona inShrek: The Musical;Elle Woods inLegally Blonde: The Musical; and as The Lady of The Lake inSpamalot.[12] In 2015, she independently released a self-titledextended play.[13] Stenson then played Christine Colgate in the 2015 to 2016 UK tour ofDirty Rotten Scoundrels,[14] as well asFantine inLes Misérables.[15] In April 2021, she joined the cast of theBBC soap operaDoctors asHarriet Shelton.[16][17] She appeared until September 2021.[18] In 2022, it was announced that Stenson would be competing in thefifteenth series ofDancing on Ice.[19] Partnered withMark Hanretty, the pair finished in sixth place.[20]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2011 | Hollyoaks | Steph Cunningham | Series regular |
| 2008–2009 | Hollyoaks Later | Steph Cunningham | Series regular |
| 2014 | Suspects | Tracey Gatting | 2 episodes |
| 2016 | Holby City | Lucy Parker | Episode: "Indefensible" |
| 2021 | Doctors | Harriet Shelton | Recurring role |
| 2023 | Dancing on Ice | Herself | Contestant; sixth place |
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Carley[13] |
|
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | British Soap Awards | Best Comedy Performance | Hollyoaks | Nominated | [21] |
| 2006 | British Soap Awards | Best Comedy Performance | Hollyoaks | Nominated | [21] |
| 2009 | British Soap Awards | Best Actress | Hollyoaks | Nominated | [21] |
| 2009 | British Soap Awards | Best Dramatic Performance | Hollyoaks | Nominated | [21] |
| 2011 | British Soap Awards | Best Exit | Hollyoaks | Nominated | [21] |
| 2012 | The Imperial Performing Arts Awards | Pride of St Helens | Herself | Won | [3] |