Actress Debra Stephenson is best known for her roles in Playing the Field, Bad Girls and Corrie. Her TV career kicked off at the age of 14, where she appeared on BBC’s TV Opportunity Knock, before making an appearance in a number of CBBC shows. She's even strutted her stuff across the dance floor on Strictly Come Dancing, but how much do you actually know about the actress?
Here’s everything you need to know about her including whether she’s married, has children and her top five life lessons.
How old is Debra Stephenson?
Debra was born on 4 June 1972 making her 50 years old.
Who is Debra Stephenson married to?
The actress is married to a builder, James Duffield. The pair tied the knot in 1991 and have two children together. She told a crowd at Blackpool’s North Pier Theatre back in 2006 that her husband is the ‘love of her life’.
Can Debra Stephenson sing?
Yes she can! She actually released an album back in 2005 called The Sunshine. You can have a listen below…
What else has Debra Stephenson accomplished in her career?
After various roles on CBBC, including Blue Peter, Debrah starred in the comedy drama Playing in Field, as well as other TV series. One of which includes Bad Girls, where she played Shell Dockley in 1999 and saw the actress earn nominations for Best Actress at the National Television Awards in 1999 and 2000.
She then went on to star in ITV’s Corrie playing Frankie Baldwin between 2004 and 2006. Since, Debrah’s got up to all sorts; entertaining viewers on The Impressions Show, to taking part in Let's Dance for Sport Relief as well as Strictly Come Dancing.
5 life lessons with Debra Stephenson
1. Go back to what you love
I’m returning to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to perform a new cabaret show in August for the first time in 30 years. I am going to be taking the audience on a journey through the decades with lots of singing (and talking) impressions such as Edith Piaf, Cilla, Lulu, Britney Spears and Adele.
I love the energy of being on stage and connecting with the audience and it’s the energy that first got me addicted when I was four years old!
2. Family is everything
Turning 50 in June has made me learn to let go and accept. I am grateful for the career I’ve had and I know I am lucky but the thing I am most proud of is my children. We are trained to be career women now, but the one thing I’ve learned in life is how family is more important than anything else. I don’t like to say too much about my husband publicly but we are best friends and I adore him.
3. Listen to what your body tells you
I took up sea swimming about four years ago after suffering from peri-menopausal symptoms. I had brain fog and one day, I was feeling hot and angry for no reason. I went for a run but I didn’t feel any better. I was on the prom, saw the sea and I thought ‘I need to get in there!’ I don’t go every day in the winter but I do go regularly now and I love it.
4. Live in the present
I have no idea what I will be doing next but I’ve learnt not to worry about it. I used to be constantly anxious about my next job and I’ve learnt to stay in the now.
5. Do what makes you feel good
As I get older, I’ve found I do need to rest in the evenings because I do get tired. I don’t drink alcohol very often because it totally wipes me out! I love watching box sets, but I am not into anything to do with horror.
What Debrah Stephenson would tell her 18-year-old self?
To keep your wits about you. It’s good to be aware of everything.