Kimberley Walsh is going back to the school! The Girls Aloud singer has landed a role in the second series of Channel 4’s Ackley Bridge, set in a Yorkshire academy.
Sharing the news with her Instagram followers, the former Strictly star wrote: “Very happy to announce I’ll be joining the extremely talented cast of @ackleybridge for season 2! #AckleyBridge #Claire”
Her fans rushed to congratulate her on her new venture.
“Congratulations Kimba! Well done! You will be amazing,” said one.
“Definitely gonna have to watch series 1 if your in the next series!” said another.
“Congratulations Kimberley! I’m so proud of you and I can’t wait to watch it,” wrote a third.
Among the well-wishers was TV presenter Kate Thornton, who told Kimberley: “Wooo hooo! Brilliant.”
Channel 4 announced that Kimberley, 36, will play Claire Butterworth, the feisty ex-wife of Steve (played by Paul Nicholls) and mother to their child Zak.
They state: “Claire is set to ruffle some feathers when she turns up unannounced at Ackley Bridge.”
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She’s described as a “sly, home-wrecking netball teacher” who could come between Steve and Mandy – played by ex-EastEnders star Jo Joyner.
Kimberley said of the role: “It was so much fun appearing as Claire in Ackley Bridge, it’s such a fantastic show with a brilliant cast so it was an honour to be part of it!
“Claire is quite different to other characters I’ve played in the past. She is sassy and strong and comes to blows a few times with Mandy which was really fun to play. It was great fun working with Jo Joyner and Paul Nicholls on this storyline.”
Kimberley, who is a mum to sons Bobby and Cole with husband Justin Scott, has previously had small parts in shows including The Lodge. She’s also starred on the West End stage as Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical.
Her role in Ackley Bridge could be the big break she needs to continue with a career in acting.
A Channel 4 source told The Sun: “It’s a great signing for Channel 4, and Kimberley jumped at the chance. She loves acting and she’s trying to do more of it.
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“She had small roles in Disney series The Lodge and Horrid Henry: The Movie. Her new part is definitely something to get her teeth into and Claire will ruffle some feathers. Her clashes with Mandy will be good fun for viewers.”
School-based drama Ackley Bridge was broadcast last year as a six-part series. Following its success, it was recommissioned for a second series with double the number of episodes. It’s expected to return to our screens later this year.
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