Kelly Jane Shirley (born 11 July 1981) is an English actress who works in film, television, theatre and radio. She is known for her roles as Kirsty De La Croix in Sky One comedy series In the Long Run and Carly Wicks in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Shirley has also portrayed Kym in The Office and Sophia Peters in the BBC medical drama series Casualty.
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Career
Shirley has appeared in the film Bull, directed by Paul Andrew Williams, as well as Terence Davies' Benediction. She was selected by BAFTA to be part of their BAFTA Elevate cohort 2020/21 programme, supporting working-class talent and underrepresented groups progressing in their careers on screen. In 2024, she joined the cast of the BBC drama series Casualty, playing the role of psych liaison nurse Sophia Peters.
As well as acting, she has written a column about twin motherhood for Closer Magazine and co-hosted the BBC Two show Something for the Weekend with Tim Lovejoy, standing in for Amanda Hamilton who was on maternity leave.
She also appeared as Alan Carr’s auntie Terri in Season 3 of ‘Changing Ends’ on ITV (2025).
Personal life
Shirley has been married to writer Phil Davies since 2013. Together, the pair have twins and gave birth to another son in March 2023. She has won Celebrity Fundraiser of the Year on two separate accounts for raising awareness for the Anthony Nolan Charity in aid of preventing blood cancer.
In January 2019, she ran her third London Marathon with other former EastEnders actors for a Dementia campaign in honour of Barbara Windsor.
Filmography
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde – Mabel Mercer (2002)
Smallpox 2002: Silent Weapon – Trish Cooper (2002)
Whacked – Waitress (2002)
The Bill – Alanah 2003- murdered prostitute 2 episodes
The Office – Christmas Special – Blind Date KYM (Contestant) (2003)
Wimbledon – Betting Shop Girl (2004)
Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky – Violet (2005)
Heidi – Tinette (2005)
Too Much Too Young – Mandy (2005)
Murder City – Episode 'Wives And Lovers' as Lucy Chalmers (2006)
Coming Up (TV series) – Happy $lapz – Lisa (2006)
Venus – Royal Court Actress #1 (2006)
The Sick House – Joolz (2007)
EastEnders – Carly Wicks (2006–2008, 2012)
The Grind – Jo (2008)
Parents of the Band – Esther (2008)
Something for the Weekend – herself (2009)
Lewis – Madeleine Cotton (2009)
"Pencil Full of Lead" (music video) (2010)
Self Centred (web series) – Lydia (2010)