She was nominated for Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 2000 (1999 season) for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Collected Stories at the Haymarket Theatre.Her parents were from counties Donegal and Meath in Ireland and met in England. She has one brother, Eddy.She studied at The Drama Centre in London.Met husband James McAvoy, while filming "Shameless" (2004).Nominated for the Ian Charleson Award for her performance in "King Lear" at the RNT.