KATE JENKINSON ‘I FOUND MYSELF EXTREMELY CLUCKY!’
The Australian actress actress, 39 39, tellswoman’stells Woman’s Day why her latest role on TV drama Amazing Grace has her all prepped for motherhood
What drew you to
Amazing Grace?
Initially what drew me to this project was the incredible creative team behind it.
I have been lucky enough to work with the producers before and they always create unique and highquality content. The writers and the directors attached were a huge draw for me, too – I knew that the show would have a great heartbeat with such talented people behind it. The tone of the show was in stark contrast to the project
I had just finished, so the opportunity to flex my muscles in a different world was really appealing to me, too.
What can viewers expect from the drama?
At the heart of this show is a deeply dysfunctional family. Four generations of women unexpectedly crash together in episode one and Grace’s past comes screaming into her future. I think the show is about how these women navigate a new reality where past meets present. Ultimately, the show is about how we navigate new life – not only in terms of the new babies that are delivered at the birthing centre, but about the life we create for ourselves along the way.
You spoke about wanting to start a family of your own last year – after starring in this show – which is all about the chaos of motherhood. How do you feel about it now?
Being on a set like Amazing Grace, surrounded by babies, new mothers, pregnancy and all of the joy and emotion associated with it, I found myself extremely clucky, in a way I hadn’t experienced before. I think parenthood is an incredible adventure and privilege, and I certainly hope I get to experience it one day soon. I even changed my first nappy on set, so I’m prepared!
You’ve worked on some of Australia’s most iconic TV shows like Doctor Doctor and Offspring. Do you have a favourite?
I feel extremely lucky to have been involved in so many brilliant Australian productions. They all have a
very special place in my heart for so many different reasons. I loved my time on Doctor Doctor. It was such a great mix of humour and drama. I also especially love the character I play on Five Bedrooms. She's a nightmare of a human and so much fun to play. I have to say though, Amazing Grace has without a doubt been the highlight of my career.
How was it playing alongside Sigrid Thornton?
I couldn't have wished for a better screen mother than Sigrid. She's an icon for a reason. She is so passionate about storytelling, and she really champions her characters. The complicated mother/ daughter dynamic between our characters is possibly my favourite element of the show. I think a lot of people will relate. And aside from her tireless work ethic, she's a joyous, generous and hilarious person to have on set. I adore her.
You’re a part of the insanely successful
Wentworth universe. How is it being involved in such a juggernaut?
Wentworth feels like a rollercoaster that I got on six years ago and is still going. And it's been a hell of a ride. It's so incredibly rare that a show finds such a huge and international fan base... I feel like I hit the jackpot when I landed that job. So many good things in my life came as a result of Wentworth, so I'll forever be incredibly grateful for my time behind bars!
AMAZING GRACE Wednesday, 9pm, Nine