Christine Bottomley

Christine Bottomley was born in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, and grew up in an apartment above the family's chemist shop. She went to several local youth drama groups before embarking on a course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, from where she graduated in 2001. Following graduation, she made her on-screen debut as Kirsty in EastEnders (2001). She played a regular role from 2003–2004, as Melanie in the BBC2 sitcom Early Doors. Bottomley has had numerous parts on television, including episodes of the second series of Torchwood (2008), the comedy series Massive (2008), the drama series Hope Springs (2009), and Land Girls (2009). Her first film role was in Hush, in 2009.

In 2010, she was nominated for Best New Actress at the London Film Critic's Circle Awards for her portrayal of Lisa Thompson in The Arbor. She is a three-times winner of Best Actress at the BBC Audio Drama Awards; in 2014 for My Boy; 2017 for The Sky is Wider and 2018 for Solitary.