Laura Aikman

Laura Holly Aikman (born 24 December 1985) is an English actress whose career spans over two decades, marked by a versatile range of television roles and a dedication to charitable causes. Born in the London Borough of Brent to actor‑writer Stuart Aikman (also known as Stuart St. Paul) and actress Jean Heard, she was raised in Northwood, Hertfordshire, where she attended the prestigious Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls in Elstree. From a young age she displayed a passion for performance, inspired by her parents' involvement in the entertainment industry, and she began appearing in professional productions by the mid‑1990s. Her early break came with the children's series The Mysti Show (2004–2005), where she showcased her ability to blend humour and drama, establishing her as a promising talent in British television. Aikman continued to build her resume with guest spots on popular programmes such as The Inbetweeners and a notable role as Lucy in the BBC Three drama Personal Affairs (2009). In September 2009 she joined the long‑running medical drama Casualty as May Phelps, a role she sustained for 35 episodes, demonstrating her skill in delivering emotionally resonant performances. Lemon La Vida Loca (2012–2013) saw her playing Rosie, the Yorkshire girlfriend of Keith Lemon, further cementing her comedic chops, while her later work on 4 O’Clock Club, The Job Lot, and the final series of Waterloo Road highlighted her adaptability across genres. In 2018 she lent her voice to the charity single “Rock With Rudolph” alongside 26 other celebrities, supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital, and the track peaked at number two on the iTunes pop chart. Outside of acting, Aikman has been an advocate for mental‑health awareness, volunteering with Shout 85258 in 2022, and she manages her own health challenges, publicly discussing her Ulcerative colitis. She married fellow actor Matt Kennard in 2019, a partnership formed on the set of Bluestone 42, and the couple continue to reside in England while remaining active in the industry.