The gripping new thriller The Au Pair kicks off on Channel 5 starting Monday, March 10, spotlighting a couple who bring an au pair into their home to maintain order. But after the au pair arrives, strange accidents begin occurring.

Leading the cast is Kenny Doughty as Chris, the concerned husband. At 49, this English actor and director is famed for his role as DS Aiden Healy in ITV's hit drama Vera, as well as playing Sean in Stella.

Hailing from South Yorkshire, Doughty's journey in acting started with modest parts in productions like I Want You and Dinner Ladies, before hitting the road for the UK tour of Simon Beaufoy's play The Full Monty in 2013. Making headlines, he announced in March 2023 his departure from the beloved Vera series.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Taking to social media, he shared: "After 8 years and 35 Vera films I've made the difficult decision of handing over DS Healy's badge. I can confirm I am leaving Vera.

"I want to thank everyone who's made this amazing time so joyous, , Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my buddy and inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to."

"I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter and have been a rock for me over the years. I can't thank you enough. Precious times."

His character's departure remains a sore point for die-hard fans. Recently, he opened up about his decision to leave the show—to cherish moments with his stepfather who was fighting terminal cancer.

The star opened up to inews, sharing heartfelt memories: "Steve was a glorious, delightful man. I was proud to refer to him as my 'dad', not my stepfather.

"He was a lecturer in agriculture when he met my mum and he taught me how to be a better man. It was a no-brainer, choosing to quit work and spend those last six months with him."

The star also reminisced about their bonding experience: "We built a wooden house together by their home in Ireland and he taught me about wood, joinery, carpentry."

In his personal life, the actor tied the knot with actress Caroline Carver in 2006, but the couple went their separate ways in 2017. Fast forward to 2023, Doughty found love again and married actress Ashley Jensen, famed for her roles in hit shows like Extras, Ugly Betty, Agatha Raisin, and Shetland.

The couple's romance blossomed after meeting on the set of Extras, culminating in a beautiful wedding at the historic Priston Mill near Bath. Engagement rumours had been sparked earlier when Ashley was spotted wearing a ring during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show to promote Shetland.

The Au Pair airs on Channel 5 from Monday, March 10 at 9pm