‘IDRIS IS THE REAL DEAL!'

In The Long Run star Kellie Shirley on working with legends and her close relationship with Barbara Windsor

- GEMMA McCARTNEY, Sarah Morton

Since making her debut as Kim in The Office in 2003, actress Kellie Shirley has appeared in some of the biggest British shows of all time, including EastEnders, where she played feisty tomboy Carly Wicks. And now she’s starring in Sky comedy In The Long Run alongside hunky Idris Elba and comedian Bill Bailey, which she tells us is “the best job ever”. Well, she’s certainly got a few to choose from!

Away from the glitzy world of showbiz, Kellie, 39, is mum to four-year-old twins Pearl and Louie with hubby Phil Davies, but she’s got more than a few star stories to share, including the time she missed out on working with the late David Bowie, reconnecting with Ricky Gervais, and her close friendship with former EastEnders co-star Dame Barbara Windsor…

Hi Kellie. Have you enjoyed being part of In The Long Run?

Absolutely. When you watch it, it just radiates fun. It’s got an amazing soundtrack, it’s set in the 80s and I get to work with Idris Elba and Bill Bailey every day, so it’s one of the best jobs ever.

What’s it like working with Idris?

He’s a really good human being and very fun. I can’t say a word against him. He’s the real deal.

The third series is currently airing. Will there be a fourth?