Actress Jennifer Ellison, 43, is back on screen in ITV’s Liverpool‑set comedy‑drama G’wed, playing Anna, the estranged mother of Aimee Morris. her comeback follows years of self‑imposed exile, rooted in fear and trauma from a violent relationship with Liverpool gangster Anthony Richardson.

Jennifer Ellison’s return to ITV’s G’wed after a 10‑year hiatus

According to the interview, Ellison stepped onto the G’wed set after a “breakdown” the night before, questioning whether she still possessed the skill set that launched her career at 16 on Brookside. Within minutes of filming her first scene, the familiar rhythm of a Liverpool‑centric crew reignited her confidence, prompting her to declare, “This is exactly the same as it used to be!”

The show, praised for its sharp social realism, benefits from a cast and crew that includes several Brookside alumni,creating a supportive environment that eased Ellison’s return.

Trauma from gangster fiancé Anthony Richardson fuels the hiatus

Ellison disclosed that a six‑year relationship with Anthony Richardson, who was later sentenced to eight years for a sword attack, exposed her to “shootings, fire‑bombings and machete‑wielding rivals.” She described living in constant fear, even finding nails in her letterbox and being forced off the road. The violence, she says, was a “parallel life” that she kept hidden while her public career surged.

As the source notes, the trauma remained unprocessed for years, contributing to a deep‑seated self‑doubt that kept her from auditioning and ultimately led to her disappearance from television.

Brookside alumni boost on set restores Ellison’s confidence

Ellison highlighted that many former Brookside cast and crew were present on G’wed, which she says “made me feel really at ease .” This familiar network appears to have been a catalyst for her rapid re‑adjustment, reinforcing the notion that communal ties in regional productions can aid personal recovery.

She added that the spirit of “Liverpool women” – “effing and blinding” yet resileint – mirrors the show’s ethos and helped her reconnect with her roots.

Self‑doubt that halted auditions resurfaces as a barrier

Ellison admitted that any casting call would trigger a panic response: “If they wanted me to go face to face I always had an excuse.” She questioned why her agent had not dropped her, noting that the fear of judgment was “paralysing.” This admission, reported by the source, underscores how trauma can manifest as professional self‑sabotage.

She now frames the comeback as “cathartic,” emphasizing personal validation over fame.

Will Ellison stay beyond one season of G’wed?

While Ellison describes the role as a personal victory, she has not confirmed whether she intends to remain with G’wed long‑term.. The source does not reveal any contract details,leaving open the question of whether this marks a permanent return to acting or a singular therapeutic project .

Additionally, it remains unclear how the show’s producers will integrate her character’s storyline with the existing narrative arcs, a detail that could shape audience reception.