Martha Mo Kershaw is an emerging figure gaining recognition not only for her own achievements but also for her strong family connections to the British entertainment industry. Born into a creative household, she is the daughter of acclaimed actress Julie Hesmondhalgh and respected actor and writer Ian Kershaw. With her academic accomplishments, varied professional experiences, and grounded upbringing, Martha is carving her own path while maintaining deep roots in the arts.
In this comprehensive profile, we will explore Martha Mo Kershaw’s birth details, family heritage, education, early career roles, and the influence of her parents, particularly focusing on Ian Kershaw’s age and career achievements.
Martha Mo Kershaw Born – Early Life & Background
Martha Mo Kershaw was born in October 2001 in the United Kingdom. Growing up in a household where creativity, performance, and storytelling were part of everyday life, she was exposed to the entertainment world from a young age.
Her mother, Julie Hesmondhalgh, is celebrated for her role as Hayley Cropper on ITV’s long-running soap opera Coronation Street. Her father, Ian Kershaw, is an accomplished actor, writer, and scriptwriter whose career has spanned theatre, television, and radio.
This rich cultural and artistic environment gave Martha both an appreciation for the arts and a deep understanding of professional dedication. While she did not immediately pursue acting as her main career, her upbringing played a role in shaping her creativity and interpersonal skills.
Family Heritage – A Strong Creative Influence
Mother – Julie Hesmondhalgh
Julie Hesmondhalgh is one of Britain’s most respected television actresses. She became a household name through her portrayal of Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, a groundbreaking role in British television history. Julie’s performances have been praised for their authenticity, compassion, and social impact, qualities that undoubtedly influenced Martha’s values and worldview.
Father – Ian Kershaw
Ian Kershaw, born in 1969 in Oldham, England, is a multi-talented figure in the entertainment world. He trained at the Welsh College of Speech and Drama and began his career as an actor, appearing in various stage productions and television dramas. Over the years, he transitioned into writing, contributing to some of the UK’s most popular television series, including Coronation Street.
As of 2025, Ian Kershaw’s age is 56 years old, and his career spans decades of creative work in acting, playwriting, and screenwriting. His versatility and dedication have made him a respected figure in the industry.
Education of Martha Mo Kershaw
Martha’s educational journey reflects her commitment to academic excellence and personal growth:
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Secondary Education: She attended Xaverian College, where she studied Film Studies, English Literature, and Drama at A-level. These subjects suggest her interest in both analytical and creative disciplines.
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Higher Education: Martha went on to study Film and Literature at the University of Warwick, one of the UK’s leading academic institutions. She graduated with first-class honours, demonstrating her strong academic capabilities and dedication to her chosen field.
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Additional Qualifications:
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Warwick Award (Silver) – highlighting leadership and professional skills
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TEFL Certification – enabling her to teach English as a foreign language
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Food Safety and Hygiene Certification – relevant for hospitality and community engagement work
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Her educational choices show a balance between creativity, communication, and practical skills—qualities that will serve her in a wide range of professional settings.
Early Career and Professional Roles
Martha Mo Kershaw’s career so far includes a variety of roles that reflect adaptability, work ethic, and strong interpersonal skills:
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Front of House Host at Factory International – gaining experience in customer service, cultural events, and hospitality
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Student Ambassador at the University of Warwick – representing the institution and assisting prospective students
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Exam Invigilator at WMG Academy Trust – ensuring academic integrity and supporting school operations
These positions have allowed her to develop leadership qualities, teamwork abilities, and public engagement skills.
The Influence of a Creative Household
Growing up with parents like Julie Hesmondhalgh and Ian Kershaw means Martha has always had role models who embody dedication, creativity, and resilience. While she has pursued her own path academically and professionally, the lessons she absorbed from her parents’ careers—storytelling, empathy, and the value of hard work—are clearly reflected in her approach to life.
Ian Kershaw – Career Highlights
To understand Martha’s upbringing, it’s worth highlighting Ian Kershaw’s professional milestones:
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Acting: Appeared in various roles on Coronation Street, including journalists and solicitors, before becoming a regular contributor as a writer.
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Writing: Has written more than 80 episodes for Coronation Street since joining the writing team in 2018.
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Theatre and Radio: Authored plays and scripts that have been produced for stage and broadcast media.
Ian Kershaw’s ability to switch between acting and writing has given him a unique perspective on storytelling—something that undoubtedly shaped Martha’s cultural awareness.
Personal Interests and Potential Career Path
While Martha Mo Kershaw has not yet stepped fully into the public eye as an actress or high-profile media figure, her academic background in Film and Literature suggests she could explore:
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Screenwriting or literary criticism
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Cultural event management
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Educational and community engagement roles
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International teaching opportunities through her TEFL qualification
Her blend of academic excellence and hands-on work experience makes her versatile and well-prepared for multiple career avenues.
Public Presence and Privacy
Unlike many children of celebrities, Martha has maintained a relatively low public profile. She appears occasionally in interviews or social mentions involving her parents but has not actively sought media attention. This suggests a conscious choice to focus on personal growth and career development rather than celebrity status.
Conclusion
Martha Mo Kershaw represents a new generation of individuals balancing the benefits of a creative family background with their own ambitions and hard work. Born in October 2001, she has achieved academic excellence, gained diverse work experience, and developed a strong set of transferable skills. The influence of her parents, particularly her father Ian Kershaw, now aged 56, is evident in her disciplined yet creative approach to life.
As she continues to build her career, Martha’s mix of education, cultural awareness, and professional experience positions her well for success in whichever path she chooses. Her story is one of grounded ambition, showing how family influence can inspire without defining an entire life’s direction.
Written by News Zio
