Simone Ashley: 13 facts about Bridgerton's Kate Sharma you should know

Simone Ashley facts: Get to know the Sex Education

1. Who is Simone Ashley? Get to know the Bridgerton and Sex Education star here

You already know Simone Ashley as Olivia on Netflix’s Sex Education but she’s about to gain a whole new legion of fans when she appears as Kate Sharma in Bridgerton season 2. Get to know the actress here, from her age and height to her previous roles… [David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Vype]

2. How old is Simone Ashley?

Simone Ashley is 27 years old. She was born on March 30th in 1995. That makes her an Aries, in case you were wondering about her star sign. [via Instagram]

3. How tall is Simone Ashley?

According to a model profile on Bellazon, Simone Ashley is around 178m tall, which is about 5ft 10 inches. [via Instagram]

4. Where is Simone Ashley from? What is her ethnicity?

Simone Ashley is a British actress of South Asian descent. She was born in Surrey, England. In an interview with Veylex, Simone described what it was like becoming an actress in an Indian family full of traditional academics: “They still find it quite scary and unsettling. There is no crystal ball, no security, no guarantee. Which can be a parents worst nightmare.” [via Instagram]

5. What is Simone Ashley's net worth?

Not much is known about Simone Ashley’s net worth right now. But thanks to her roles in Netflix’s Sex Education, and the second season of Bridgerton, expect her net worth to rise! [via Instagram]

6. Who plays Olivia in Sex Education?

Simone Ashley plays Olivia Hanan in Netflix’s Sex Education. Olivia is friends with Ruby, Aimee and Anwar a.k.a. The Untouchables. She later becomes friends with Maeve, Lily, Ola and Viv. Simone will be returning as Olivia in the third season of the show. [Netflix]

7. Will Simone Ashley be in Sex Education season 4?

Sex Education was renewed for season 4 but Simone Ashley is likely not returning as Olivia Hanan. In an interview with Glamour, she said: “I think my time on [the show] has come to an end. It’s very sad because I love them all so much." Olivia is one of Ruby’s best friends, she appeared in the first three seasons of the show. [Netflix]

Who will play Kate in Bridgerton season 2?

8. Who plays Kate Sharma in Bridgerton season 2?

Simone Ashley will appear in Bridgeton season 2 as Kate Sharma (originally named Kate Sheffield in Julia Quinn’s novel). Readers of the Bridgerton series will already know how iconic Kate is and how much she’ll affect Anthony Bridgerton. According to Deadline, Kate and her family “were conceived by the series’ producing team as being of Indian descent in a continuation of the reimagined, multi-racial world of 1880s London’s high society’”. [via Instagram]

9. How did Simone Ashley get cast in Bridgerton?

In an interview with Glamour, Simone Ashley revealed that she heard the news that the Bridgerton casting team were interested in her for the role of Kate Sharma while on the Sex Education set and just fourteen days later, she had won the part. Within 10 days, she had already done a chemistry read with Jonathan Bailey. After that, Simone met with Shonda Rhimes and the Shondaland team, and won Shonda over after she “leaned into Kate’s flaws in a brave and creative way.” And the rest is history!

10. What movies has Simone Ashley been in?

As well as her breakout role in Sex Education, Simone Ashley has appeared in a handful of films, including Boogie Man, Kill Ben Lyk and 2019’s Detective Pikachu. [via Instagram]

11. What TV shows has Simone Ashley been in?

Simone Ashley’s first TV role was in Wolfblood. She then appeared in Guilt, Broadchurch season 3, Doctors and Casualty. Her biggest role to date is as Olivia in Netflix’s Sex Education. She also recently appeared in The Sister as Elise Fox. Simone is set to take on a lead role in Bridgerton season 2, as Kate Sharma. [David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images]

12. Who did Simone Ashley play in Broadchurch?

Simone Ashley played the role of Dana in Broadchurch season 3, opposite David Tenant and Olivia Colman. Her soon-to-be Bridgerton love interest, Jonathan Bailey, also has a role in Broadchurch as Olly Stevens, although they did not appear together in the same season. [ITV]

13. Who does Simone Ashley play in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid?

Simone Ashley is reportedly set to appear in Disney's upcoming The Little Mermaid live-action movie opposite Halle Bailey, who is playing Ariel. Disney have yet to officially announce who Simone will be playing in the film but fans think she could be appearing as one of Ariel's sisters. The film is set to be released in 2023. [Alamy]

14. Who is Simone Ashley dating? Does she have a boyfriend?

With Simone Ashley’s fictional, on-screen love life taking centre stage in Bridgerton season 2, it’s no wonder people are interested in her real life. Simone recently revealed in an interview with Glamour that she is currently single. She also opened up about looking forward to one day having a family of her own: "I think that would be a sense of home for me.” [Getty]

15. Does Simone Ashley have Instagram?

Yes! And you can find her at @simoneasshley. On her grid, you’ll find photoshoots, gorgeous selfies and glimpses of life behind-the-scenes while she films Sex Education with her cast mates. Expect even more snaps from her days on the Bridgerton set. [via Instagram]