Kate Duchêne

Kate Duchêne, born Catherine Anne Purves Duchêne on July 5, 1959, is a prominent English actress celebrated for her portrayal of Miss Constance Hardbroom in the beloved children's television series The Worst Witch. Her acting journey began at the tender age of 14, leading her to Trinity College, Cambridge in the 1980s, where she honed her craft studying French and Spanish. During her university years, she became an active member of the Footlights theatre troupe, showcasing her talents in writing and performance. She also collaborated with the Cambridge Mummers, taking on roles such as Isabella in Measure For Measure at both the Cambridge and Edinburgh Fringe festivals.

In the late 1980s, Duchêne joined the renowned Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, where she starred in the inaugural productions of Losing Venice and The White Rose. Since 2000, she has been a regular presence at London’s National Theatre, often collaborating with director Katie Mitchell. Following a brief stint in Spain teaching English to children, she returned to the UK in 1986.

Duchêne’s role as Miss Hardbroom defined her career, where she remained a key figure in the series throughout its three seasons and made an appearance in the first episode of its spin-off, Weirdsister College. Her work extends to the paranormal drama Afterlife and includes notable radio performances, such as her portrayal of Alex Parker in BBC Radio 4's Citizens from 1987 to 1991. Currently residing in Brighton with her partner Robert Hickson, Duchêne is a mother of two.