Joanne Froggatt has been on our screens for nearly three decades - and her life has changed dramatically during that time.
The Golden Globe-winning actress first appeared in The Bill in 1996 and has gone on to star in Coronation Street, Downton Abbey and Sherwood. Now, she is leading the cast of ITV's new drama Breathtaking, portraying Dr Abbey Henderson on the frontline as the first wave of Covid hits.
Speaking about the series, Joanne said: "When I first read the incredible scripts they moved me to tears on many occasions. I felt so passionately that I had to be a part of telling this story, the real story, of what was really happening behind the closed doors of the hospitals during the pandemic."
The 43-year-old added: "Our NHS staff are nothing less than absolute heroes in my eyes." As the first episode of Breathtaking airs tonight, we take a look at Joanne's life off-screen and romances away from the cameras...
Joanne and IT consultant James were married for eight years before they split (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Paul Smith)
She took over their joint production company in 2021 and started a 'new chapter' (Getty)Joanne tied the knot with IT consultant James Cannon in 2012 and the couple lived in Buckinghamshire. Gushing about her relationship a few years later, she told The Telegraph: "He's passionate about film and theatre, so we have a common interest – and he's not in the business, so it's perfect."
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In February 2020, in an interview with the same publication, Joanne announced that she and James had separated and didn't reveal the reasons for their split. "We've actually been separated for a little while," she explained. "I'm looking to the future... I'm just going to embrace this year and see what happens."
In 2021, Joanne admitted her life was in a state of 'flux' after her marriage breakdown - but she still felt so 'grateful' for everything she had. The Downton Abbey actor confirmed they had officially divorced in June 2021 and were no longer working together, but it felt like an "exciting new chapter" in her career.
It came after the star said she and James had been planning to continue to run their production company, Run After It, together. But Joanne told Red Magazine: "I've taken that over now, so I'm running my own company. I'm excited to move forward with it and get my head around the direction in which I want to take things."
Joanne was previously engaged to DJ Phil Vane when she was 19, and they were together for eight years. When asked what both of those relationships have taught her, she said: "I've learned in the past year that you have to be really grateful for the good things", including her friends and family, health and work.
About turning 40, she said: "It didn't look how I imagined it would look. I didn't think I'd be divorced, I didn't think we'd be going through a pandemic, I didn't think my life would be in flux in the way it was. But I'm OK with that." She added: "I feel excited about the future... I'm just evolving. You become wiser and hopefully happier."
Joanne and James didn't have any children together, but the actress hasn't ruled out becoming a mum in the future. She said: "If it happens, it happens. And if it doesn't, I hope I'll still feel I can live a happy and fulfilled life." Joanne also shared that she doesn't understand why she's constantly asked about kids - but her male counterparts aren't.
Speaking on the Reign With Josh Smith Podcast she said: "From the age of about 38, 37, whenever I've been doing publicity for my work or anything else, I've been constantly asked, "Oh are you going to have children? When are you having children? Or how are you feeling about turning 40?'"
Joanne has not made any relationships public since James, but she is reportedly 'besotted' with a mystery man called Mark. A source told Mail Online last year: "Joanne is having a great time with Mark." The pair have been spotted out and about in London and she reportedly introduced him to pals at a birthday bash, who were 'excited' for Joanne and felt Mark could be The One.
- Breathtaking starts on ITV1 at 9pm tonight on Monday, February 19.
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