Jill Halfpenny (born 15 July 1975) is a British actress.
A native of Leam Lane Estate, Gateshead, she began her acting career in the BBC television children's drama series Byker Grove, set in Newcastle upon Tyne and filmed across the river in Gateshead. Her other work has included appearances in Dalziel and Pascoe and Coronation Street.
Most recently she has taken the major role of Kate Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders.
In Autumn 2004 she participated in the BBC One pro-celebrity ballroom dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing, dancing with professional Darren Bennett. The couple won the competition.
In a special one-off programme (broadcast on 22 December 2004) which pitted the Strictly Come Dancing champions (and other top performing couples) from series one and two against each other, Jill and Darren were crowned Champion of Champions.
In December 2004, it was announced that she would take the role of Roxie Hart in the West End musical, Chicago, starting January, 2005.
