Leanne Best (born 15 June 1979) is an English actress. She trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and presently lives in southwest London.

She is known for her roles as Jane Cobden in the BBC series Ripper Street, Celia Donnelly in Fortitude, and the title role of 'The Woman In Black' in the 2014 film The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death. Best also appeared as Min Sakul in the sequel Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015).

More recently Best appeared in ITV comedy series Cold Feet in September 2016 as Tina Reynolds. She was also in Line of Duty series 3 and in an episode of Ted Lasso as Jamie Tartt’s mum.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
2009The Be All and End AllKrystal
2014The Woman in Black: Angel of DeathThe Woman in Black
2015Star Wars: The Force AwakensMin Sakul
2016NativeAwan
CloserGirlfriendShort film
The InfiltratorBowling Alley Waitress
2017Film Stars Don't Die in LiverpoolEileen
Cotton WoolRachelShort film
2019Little JoeMother (Brittany)
2021HarmThe Woman
2023Bolan's ShoesPenny / Sadie
Raging GraceKatherine
Black Dog(unknown)
Our KidSarah
Vincent and AgostinaAgostina SegatoriShort film
2024SebastianDionne
2028The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic EventMimi Smith

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
2004CasualtyKaren JablonEpisode: "Love and Loathing"
2005Wire in the BloodTerriEpisode: "Bad Seed"
HeatwaveLoz GarettTelevision film
2007New Street LawClaudia HartsonEpisode #2.2
MobileBarmaidMini-series; 2 episodes
2009Moving OnLeslieEpisode: "Dress to Impress"
2010DoctorsSam BridgesEpisode: "A Child Called Moon"
2011Colette ColemanEpisode: "Future Perfect"
2012Stepping UpSamanthaEpisode: "Home Games"
Good CopEmma PearsonMini-series; episode 3
2013LucanSandra RivettMini-series; 2 episodes
2013–2014Ripper StreetJane CobdenSeries 2 & 3; 10 episodes
2014Salting the BattlefieldAmber PageTelevision film
ShetlandAnnabelEpisode: "Dead Water: Part 2"
The DriverSarahMini-series; episode 1
New TricksZoe BainesEpisode: "The English Defence"
2015FortitudeCelia Donnelly6 episodes
The OutcastJeanie LeeMini-series; 2 episodes
From DarknessJulie HindMini-series; 4 episodes
2015–2016Home FiresTeresa FenchurchSeries 1 & 2; 12 episodes
2016The Nightmare Worlds of H. G. WellsEveline CoombesMini-series; episode 4: "The Purple Pileus"
Line of DutyPC Jackie Brickford3 episodes
UndercoverAbigail StricklandMini-series; 4 episodes
Black MirrorPennyEpisode: "Shut Up and Dance"
2016–2017Cold FeetTina ReynoldsMain cast. Series 6 & 7; 15 episodes
2017The Good Karma HospitalDebbie Smart2 episodes
BabsRose DeeksTelevision film
2017–2020Tin StarHelen BrownRecurring role. 5 episodes
2019Do Not DisturbMumEpisode: "Child's Play"
I Am...AvaEpisode: "I Am Nicola"
Carnival RowMadame Moira4 episodes
2020Isolation StoriesKarenMini-series; episode 4: "Karen"
2020–2022Young WallanderFrida RaskSeasons 1 & 2; 12 episodes
2021Close to MeAnnaMini-series; 6 episodes
2022Four LivesKateMini-series; 3 episodes
CompulsionJenny Challoner4 episodes
The Walk-InAlisonMini-series; 5 episodes
2023A Town Called MaliceD.I. Lindsay6 episodes
Ted LassoGeorgie TarttEpisode: "Mom City"
2024The BayJulie Ashworth6 episodes
InsomniaPhoebe Bornett6 episodes
2024– presentG'wedJodie12 episodes
2025This City Is OursLesley Williams2 episodes
2026A Woman of SubstanceAdele Fairley5 episodes

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResult
2012TMA AwardsBest PerformanceThe MatchboxNominated
2017TV Times AwardsBest NewcomerCold FeetNominated
2018Out of the Can Film FestivalSpecial Achievement Award - For Contribution to Film and TV—N/aWon
Los Angeles Film AwardsBest ActressCotton WoolWon
Los Angeles Film Awards (Annual Ceremony)Best Actress of 2019Nominated
European Independent Film AwardsBest ActressWon
New York Film AwardsNominated
Best Duo (with Crissy Rock)Nominated
Manchester Screenplays and Shorts Film FestivalBest ActressWon
Unrestricted View Film FestivalWon
New Renaissance Film FestivalNominated
The Monthly Film FestivalWon

External links