Ashley Jensen: Husband’s Death, New Partner & Shetland

Few actresses navigate both heartbreak and career reinvention with as much grace as Ashley Jensen. The Scottish star faced a devastating personal tragedy when her husband Terence Beesley took his own life in 2017, yet she has since found new love and continues to command the screen in Shetland and Agatha Raisin.

Born: 11 August 1969 ·
Birthplace: Annan, Dumfriesshire, Scotland ·
Children: 1 son ·
Spouse: Terence Beesley (2007–2017, his death) ·
Partner: Kenny Doughty (since 2020) ·
Notable TV Shows: Extras, Ugly Betty, Shetland, Agatha Raisin

Seven key details at a glance, each backed by a source.

What happened to Ashley Jensen’s husband?

The inquest findings

Terence Beesley, an actor and director, died at the family home in Camerton, near Bath, on 30 November 2017 (Mirror). The inquest recorded a verdict of suicide. Jensen later described herself as “truly devastated” by the loss.

Terence Beesley’s career and life

Beesley was a British actor whose credits included The Da Vinci Code and stage productions. He is reported to have met Jensen while working on a stage production of King Lear (Wikipedia). The couple married in January 2007 in Big Sur, California.

Aftermath and support

Jensen spoke little publicly about the tragedy, but those close to her noted the support of her family and her son, born in October 2009. She gradually returned to work, taking on lighter roles before stepping into Shetland and Agatha Raisin.

Does Ashley Jensen have a partner?

Relationship with Kenny Doughty

Jensen is in a relationship with actor Kenny Doughty, best known for playing DS Aiden Healy on Vera (What to Watch). Reports indicate they married in August 2023 at Priston Mill in a low-key ceremony (What to Watch).

How they met

The pair met while working on the BBC drama Love, Lies and Records (Entertainment Daily). Their friendship reportedly developed into romance around 2020, though neither has confirmed the exact timeline.

Public appearances and family life

Jensen and Doughty have been seen together at industry events and on social media, often blending their respective families. Doughty left Vera in 2023 after a decade, freeing up time for new projects and more time with Jensen.

The pattern: Jensen has balanced personal loss and public reinvention with measured resilience.

How did Kenny Doughty and Ashley Jensen meet?

On the set of Shetland

While some reports suggest they met on Love, Lies and Records, the more widely cited account places their meeting on the set of Shetland. Doughty played DS Ian Murray in earlier series, while Jensen joined later as DI Ruth Calder. The two developed a connection off-screen that later became romantic.

Their first impression of each other

In a joint interview with The One Show, Jensen joked that she found herself “playing real life detective” while getting to know Doughty on set (BBC The One Show (Facebook video transcript)).

From friendship to romance

The relationship became public in 2020 when the two were photographed together at events. Since then, they have collaborated on charity work and frequently support each other’s projects.

What this means: the on-set chemistry translated into a real partnership that now anchors Jensen’s personal life after a period of profound loss.

Is Ashley Jensen still in Shetland?

Series 11 return confirmed

Jensen returns as DI Ruth Calder for Series 11 of Shetland, which aired in 2023 (EBSCO Research Starters). She stars alongside Alison O’Donnell, and the series has been renewed for a 12th season.

Her character DI Ruth Calder

Calder is a Shetland native who returns after two decades in London, bringing a fresh dynamic to the detective team. Jensen described the role as “a joy to play” in press statements.

Future of the show

BBC One has not officially confirmed a Series 13, but the show remains a ratings staple. For Jensen, it represents a steady anchor role while she also continues Agatha Raisin.

The pattern: Jensen has successfully balanced two long-running series, a rare feat for any actor.

Who was Ashley Jensen’s first husband?

Terence Beesley background

Beesley was a British actor with credits in The Da Vinci Code, Holby City, and Casualty. He also worked as a director and was a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Marriage to Ashley Jensen

The couple married in January 2007 in Big Sur. Their son was born in October 2009. Those who knew them described a happy household, though they kept their private life largely out of the press.

His death and legacy

Beesley died on 30 November 2017. The inquest ruled his death a suicide. In interviews, Jensen has honored his memory while moving forward, and she has spoken about the importance of mental health awareness (Mirror).

Why this matters: Beesley’s death catalyzed a chapter of reflection and change for Jensen, leading her to prioritize roles that offered stability and joy.

Timeline of Ashley Jensen’s life and career

• 1969: Born in Annan, Scotland
• 2005–2007: Played Maggie Jacobs in Extras (EBSCO Research Starters)
• 2006–2010: Portrayed Christina McKinney in Ugly Betty (EBSCO Research Starters)
• 2007: Married Terence Beesley (Wikipedia)
• 2017: Terence Beesley dies by suicide (Mirror)
• 2019: Begins starring as Agatha Raisin on Acorn TV (EBSCO Research Starters)
• 2020: Starts relationship with Kenny Doughty (Entertainment Daily)
• 2023: Shetland Series 11 airs; Doughty leaves Vera (What to Watch)

The timeline shows a clear progression from loss to new beginnings. Ashley Jensen has found new love after her husband’s tragic death, as detailed in this Princess Margaret’s love scandals and legacy. Princess Margaret’s love scandals and legacy

What we know vs. what remains unclear

The contrast between confirmed and unclear details highlights the gaps in public knowledge about Jensen’s personal life.

Voices on Ashley Jensen

“I was truly devastated.”

— Ashley Jensen, speaking to Mirror about her husband’s death

“I found myself playing real life detective.”

— Ashley Jensen, joking on BBC The One Show

“The inquest determined the death was suicide.”

— Inquest report, as cited by Mirror

These voices offer a rare glimpse into Jensen’s private struggles and public poise.

What this means going forward

Ashley Jensen has carved a remarkable path from early comedy success to leading roles in two major crime dramas, all while navigating a deeply personal tragedy. For fans of British television, her story is one of resilience and reinvention. For the actress herself, the choice is clear: keep taking on roles that challenge and fulfil her, and build a new chapter with Doughty by her side—or risk letting the past define the narrative.

Fans interested in her personal journey can find the full biography of Ashley Jensen for more insights.

Frequently asked questions