Jennifer Ellison: Brookside Star to Studio Owner

Jennifer Ellison first caught the public’s eye as a teenager on Liverpool’s Brookside, but her career has taken more turns than most. From Hollywood’s The Phantom of the Opera to owning a dance studio, she’s proven that life after fame can be just as busy.

Born: 30 May 1983 ·
Age: 41 (as of 2024) ·
Children: 3 sons ·
Known for: Emily Shadwick in Brookside, Meg Giry in The Phantom of the Opera

Six key facts at a glance, one pattern: Ellison’s public identity has shifted from soap actress to performing arts entrepreneur.

Did Jennifer Ellison date Steven Gerrard?

This question pops up frequently in search results, but no reliable source has ever confirmed a romantic relationship between Ellison and former Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard. The rumour appears to be internet chatter without a credible foundation. A search of major news archives and verified biographies yields no mention of the pair dating. Wikipedia and IMDb list no such connection. The implication: treat this as unsubstantiated gossip.

What does Jennifer Ellison do now?

Is Jennifer Ellison still acting?

• She has not taken on a regular acting role since the 2000s, though she occasionally appears in television projects. A 2025 Daily Mail (UK entertainment section) article notes she “occasionally takes on television roles” but has stepped back from the limelight.

Her focus has shifted to running her own business. She opened Jelli Studios in Liverpool, a dance and fitness studio, and also runs the Jennifer Ellison Fame Academy, which offers performing arts training. Her Instagram bio (@jellistudios) describes her as “Owner @jellistudiosofficial”.

What is Jennifer Ellison’s fitness studio?

• Jelli Studios is a Liverpool-based dance and fitness centre. The Liverpool Echo (local news outlet) reported in 2022 that Ellison resided in Liverpool and ran the studio. She also operates the Fame Academy, which trains young performers.

The pattern: Ellison turned her early fame into a sustainable local business, a route increasingly common among former child stars in the UK.

How many children does Jennifer Ellison have?

What are the names and ages of Jennifer Ellison’s children?

• She has three sons: Bobby, Harry, and Charlie, according to the Liverpool Echo (regional news).
• Her husband (according to IMDb) is Rob Tickle, whom she married on 10 October 2009. The couple have three children.

In a 2014 interview with ITV Lorraine (UK daytime show), Ellison mentioned she was expecting their youngest, Charlie, and that she was taking a step back from performing to focus on motherhood and running stage schools.

The implication: Ellison’s family life is central to her identity, and she has deliberately built her work around her children.

How old was Jennifer Ellison in Phantom of the Opera?

• Born 30 May 1983 (IMDb).
• The Phantom of the Opera was released in 2004. Principal filming took place in 2003-2004.
• She was 20–21 years old during filming, turning 21 in May 2004. The film’s release in December 2004 meant she was 21 at the time of its premiere.

This makes her one of the younger cast members in the film, alongside Emmy Rossum (who played Christine at age 17). The catch: while Ellison’s role as Meg Giry was relatively small, it gave her international exposure that her soap career alone could not have provided.

Who is Jennifer Ellison married to?

When did Jennifer Ellison get married?

• IMDb states she married Rob Tickle on 10 October 2009. The couple have three children together.
• Other sources, such as Liverpool Echo, refer to her husband as “Robbie” or “Rob Tickle”, but do not provide a wedding date. The marriage year is not independently confirmed by multiple top-tier sources, but it is widely reported.

Why this matters: Ellison keeps her private life low-key. Unlike many former reality stars, she has not turned her marriage into a public brand. For fans wondering where she lives now — the Liverpool Echo (local news) reported that she still resides in Liverpool with her family.

Jennifer Ellison’s journey from soap star to business owner reflects a broader shift in the UK entertainment industry: fewer young actors stay in the limelight, and many build second careers that offer more control and stability. For her fans and for aspiring performers in Liverpool, the takeaway is clear: she chose a life centred on family and local community, not a return to the national stage. Whether that was a trade-off or a win is a matter of perspective, but it has certainly been a deliberate one.