Katy Carmichael

Katy Jane Carmichael, born on 5 March 1970 in Liverpool, England, is a versatile English actress, director, and producer whose career spans over three decades of television, film, and stage work. Raised by two architects, she attended Gateacre Community Comprehensive School and completed her A‑levels at Liverpool College before immersing herself in the National Youth Theatre for six seasons, an experience that honed her craft and led her to study drama, film and television at the University of Bristol alongside future collaborators Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes. Her first professional role came at the age of eighteen when she portrayed Connie in the beloved Liverpool sitcom Bread, a part she filmed while still a university student. Carmichael’s early television credits include the drama And The Beat Goes On (1994), the Galton and Simpson series with Paul Merton, and a memorable turn as DC Jo McMullen in Liverpool 1. She gained widespread recognition when she reunited with Hynes and Pegg to play the quirky Twist Morgan in the BAFTA‑nominated Channel 4 cult classic Spaced, a role that cemented her status as a comedy darling. Subsequent notable performances include the florally‑obsessed Lucy Richards in Coronation Street, the compassionate teacher Melissa Ryan in Waterloo Road, and a compelling appearance as Helen in the BBC series Moving On. Beyond acting, Carmichael co‑founded the Bristol‑based theatre company Theatre Damfino in 2010, directing award‑winning productions such as Mayday Mayday, which earned international accolades including the International Fringe Review award and a nomination for BBC Drama awards. Her innovative spirit also led to the creation of the food‑theatre experience The Table Of Delights, blending culinary arts with performance and winning the Off West End award for best family production. As a narrator, she has lent her voice to audiobooks like The Rook and contributed to numerous television adverts, showcasing her diverse talents across media.