Woman of mystery

Katherine Kelly on what lies beneath her scene-stealing detective, Karen Renton

- Caren Clark

Katherine Kelly starred in last year’s twisty ITV drama Cheat as a university lecturer caught up in a torrid tale of plagiarism and adultery, but little did she know that it would lead her to another equally juicy role.

Cheat’s executive producers, Harry and Jack Williams, also write Liar and offered ex-Corrie star Katherine a major role in the hit ITV thriller’s second series.

With her input, the brothers developed the character of ruthless and thoroughly entertaining DI Karen Renton, who leads the investigation into the murder last series of rapist Andrew Earlham (Ioan Gruffudd).

This week, with Laura Nielson (Joanne Froggatt), one of Andrew’s many victims, now the prime suspect for the killing, Karen decides to play dirty to get results.

Talking to TV Times at ITV’s London HQ, Katherine, 40, tells us more about her character…

How did Harry and Jack tempt you into playing Karen?