Jennifer Metcalfe

Jennifer Joanne Metcalfe (born 4 September 1983) is a British actress from Bradford, England. She is known for her role as Mercedes McQueen in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, which she has appeared in since 2006. Her portrayal of the character has led to her reprising the role in the programme's spin-off series Hollyoaks Later between 2008 and 2020. She appeared as a contestant in the sixth series of Dancing on Ice in 2011, where she finished in tenth place.

Early life Metcalfe was born in Bradford and grew up on the Holme Wood housing estate. She attended the Scala Kids drama school in her hometown. In between acting jobs, Metcalfe worked as a fitness instructor in Bradford. She had previously been considered for the role of Claire Devine before her character was created. Metcalfe was the first actress to be cast in the soap by executive producer Bryan Kirkwood.

Her role in Hollyoaks has led to her appearing in its late-night spin-off series Hollyoaks Later, first appearing in the first series in 2008. It was announced in April 2010 that she would return to the series for its third series later that year, and she continued in the role for series 4 and series 5. Despite the show concluding in 2013, a one-off special was broadcast in 2020, with Metcalfe returning once again in a main role.

On 19 December 2010, it was announced Metcalfe would take part in the sixth series of ITV winter sports competition Dancing on Ice. She was partnered with Sylvain Longchambon and was the seventh celebrity eliminated from the competition when she finished in the bottom two of the leaderboard along with fellow contestant Vanilla Ice, who was saved by the judging panel.

Metcalfe quit Hollyoaks in August 2014. Her character, Mercedes, appeared to have been killed off on 20 November, only to return unexpectedly in February 2015, alive after all, with Metcalfe back in the role on a permanent basis.

Personal life At the age of 15, her father died from bowel cancer, and Metcalfe stated that she was able to draw on her personal experiences for the role in Hollyoaks. Metcalfe was previously in a relationship with footballer Jermaine Pennant. She confirmed her first pregnancy in February 2017 to former Geordie Shore star Greg Lake. She gave birth to a son on 20 June 2017. Metcalfe and Lake split in 2020.

She co-owns the clothing rental boutique, The Closet, in Liverpool with Hollyoaks co-stars Claire Cooper and Leah Hackett, which opened in April 2010.

Filmography

+ Television Year Title Role Notes 1998, 2001 Where the Heart Is Kelly / Geena Garton 3 episodes 1999 My Parents Are Aliens Katie Roberts 1 episode 2001 At Home with the Braithwaites School Bully 1 1 episode 2002 Emmerdale Jade Nicholls Recurring Role2006–present HollyoaksMercedes McQueen Regular Role 2008–2012, 2020 Hollyoaks Later Main Cast Member 2011 Dancing on Ice Contestant 2015 Celebrity Juice Panelist 2016 Virtually Famous Panellist 2016 Extreme Makeovers: On Fleek Narrator 2025 Just Act Normal Candy BBC drama

+ Film Year Title Role Notes 2009 Birthday Girl Keeley TV movie

Awards and nominations

British Soap Awards Sexiest Female

Inside Soap Awards Best Bitch

British Soap Awards Sexiest Female

Sexiest Female

Best Bitch

All About Soap Awards Best Celeb Style Herself|

Sexiest Female

Best Actress Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Female

TV Now Awards Favourite Female Soap Star

Best Celeb Style Herself|

Fatal Attraction (with Ricky Whittle)

Sexiest Female

Best Actress Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Female

TRIC Awards TV Soap Personality

All About Soap Bubble Awards Best Celeb Style Herself|

British Soap Awards Sexiest Female

Best Actress

Best Bitch

Sexiest Female

Best Actress

Best Bitch

Sexiest Female

National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance

Sexiest Female

Best On-Screen Partnership (with Joseph Thompson)

Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Female

British Soap Awards Best Actress

Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Female

British Soap Awards

Sexiest Female

TV Choice Awards Best Soap Actress

National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance

Inside Soap Awards Female Soap Superstar

National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance

Inside Soap Awards Best Bad Girl

National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance

TRIC Awards TV Soap Personality

Inside Soap Awards Best Actress

National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance

TRIC Awards TV Soap Personality

Inside Soap Awards Best Actress

National Film Awards Best Actress in a TV Series

TRIC Awards TV Soap Personality

Inside Soap Awards Best Actress

National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance

National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance

Inside Soap'' Awards Best Show-stopper