Katherine Dow Blyton, a former Emmerdale star, spills the beans on her most recent big-screen role, which she will play opposite 007’s Pierce Brosnan, and how she feels about finding love once more at 61.
Warm, talented and refreshingly honest, Katherine Dow Blyton is someone you’d instantly like to be friends with. Known to audiences for playing vicar Harriet Finch in Emmerdale from 2013 to 2022, the actress is limbering up to play Alma, the supportive wife of Irish boxing trainer Brendan Ingle – played by Pierce Brosnan – in boxing biopic, Giant.
The film is set in Sheffield and is based on the true story of legendary British-Yemeni world boxing champion Prince Naseem Hamed and his relationship with Brendan. Here, Katherine, 61, opens up about her first major film role, why she’s happily single – and what it was like to work with 007 star Pierce…
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Hello, Katherine! Tell us what Pierce Brosnan’s real-life persona is, first.
You seem to be so familiar with him already, which is strange. Then, suddenly, a superstar appears in front of you and says, “Katherine, how’s it going?” and extending you a warm embrace. However, you make an effort to keep things simple. He is undoubtedly one of the nicest actors I’ve ever worked with. When we began filming, it seemed very natural. Despite wearing all the ginger wigs, it was a lovely experience.
You’ve only ever had a major role in movies, don’t you think?
It is. I had a small part in [1996 movie] Brassed Off, but this is my first big venture into film. And it was terrifying. It’s quite a responsibility playing a real person, that was also a first.
Were there any humorous moments in the background?
I once made a very offensive joke about Pierce. His wig was somewhat flapping in the wind as we were walking down the street in Leeds between scenes. He said, “I look like a cockatoo.” And I said, “Of course, I have a brilliant joke about that,” not here. At that, we giggled.
You a little spooked this movie, I suppose…
Oh, I know. And Pierce, you immediately think 007, smart suits… but he got one, too! It was not glamorous – I had five different ginger wigs. It’s that thing about getting older, you’ve got to leave your vanity at the door, especially playing a real person. You see yourself age on screen.
Was there a component of that while you were a student on Emmerdale?
Yes, when I started Emmerdale, I looked so young, but I went through the menopause while on the show – my weight was fluctuating, I felt uncomfortable in my own skin. For the first time I was aware of where the camera was, thinking, “Did I look fat in this?” That’s not someone I’ve ever been.
So the lovely Alma Ingle was quite uncomplicated to play. Strangely, Alma resembles my dear auntie Jean, who was also a redhead. My cousin Helen claimed I resembled her in a photo that I sent to her.
What inspired you to play Alma and read Giant?
It has a lot of heart. The writing was so warm. She and Brendan had a wonderful relationship. She provided such constant support; she embodies the proverb that “behind every successful man is a strong woman.” Like many wonderful women I grew up with, she was a strong, working-class Northern woman.
Do you want to make more movies right away?
I’m up for anything. Well, not quite. I love theatre possibly a bit more than TV and film. I got a little jaded towards the end of Emmerdale – I wondered if I still loved being an actor. And my first job after I left, I did a fabulous Kay Mellor play. I have never been more scared in my life, I died a million times. But it proved that the absolute love for acting was still there.
After Pierce, who would you want to play your ideal on-screen husband?
Mmm, I don’t really have Hollywood crushes, I’m post-menopausal, I’d rather just have a laugh. I’m over all that. It was always Andy Garcia, but he’s getting on now. Give me… Will Ferrell. I’d enjoy trying not to corpse [laugh] in every scene.
Are you currently dating?
No, I’ve been single for about five years. But my ex, Jason, and I still live together. We were together for 15 years. I worked away from home, which is not particularly healthy for a relationship. I was back at weekends, usually in a foul mood as I’d just come off the M25 in a foul mood on a Friday. He’d leave me a bottle of wine in the fridge and retreat! Then I was off again on Sunday.
Your shared home, which you both have, is obviously still a strong bond.
We continued to be in love with one another. We have such good friendships. He delights me more than anyone else on Earth. We’ll reevaluate things if this configuration no longer works. Dexter, my almost 16-year-old Border terrier, is similar to our child. I would hate Jason if I had to take him away from him. The other is present if one of us is at work.
Would you like to rekindle your love?
No at this time. You must first meet them, get to know them, and trust them before it goes too long. My pals have tried to hook me up with online dating, but I’m not interested. After a few shrugs, I did a few shandies before joining an app, but right away I was in a panic and deleted the entire thing. Never say never, but I’m fine unless someone makes a wonderful addition to my life. I’m 61 now, and it’s a lot of work!
The New Year is almost here. Do you have 2026 resolutions?
Oh, I don’t do New Year’s resolutions – and I’ve never done Dry January, for the record. But I am in rehearsals for a play called Gerry & Sewell, about family, friendship, and football, which is coming to London soon. Appearing in a West End show, seeing my name, walking past the billboards, is another big tick for me.
Beginning on Friday, January 9, 2018, Giant will be available in some UK theaters.
