Jessica Gunning, born Jessica Faye Gunning on January 1, 1986, in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England, is a talented English actress known for her diverse roles in television and film. She attended Holmfirth High School near Huddersfield before pursuing her passion for acting at Rose Bruford College, where she graduated in 2007.

Her early career saw her performing on stage at the National Theatre in productions such as "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Major Barbara." Her television debut came with a guest role in the 2008 "Doctor Who" episode "Partners in Crime." She then appeared in "Mutual Friends" and took on a recurring role as Angela in "Law & Order: UK" in 2009.

Her versatility as an actress was evident in her performances in "Life of Riley" and the TV pilot "Lizzie and Sarah." In 2012, she played Orla in the BBC series "White Heat," followed by a lead role as Melissa Young in the drama "What Remains" in 2013. Her portrayal of Siân James in the critically acclaimed film "Pride" (2014) earned her widespread recognition.

Jessica Gunning continued to build her impressive filmography with roles in "The Scandalous Lady W," "Fortitude," and "Prime Suspect 1973." She also appeared in "In the Dark" and "The State." In 2019, she performed alongside Cate Blanchett at the National Theatre in "When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other."

Her comedic talent shone through in the Channel 4 comedy "Back," where she played Jan, and in the BBC One series "The Outlaws," created by Stephen Merchant. She reprised her role as Diane Pemberley in the second and third series of "The Outlaws," even joining the writing team for one episode of the third series.

In 2024, Jessica Gunning starred as Martha Scott in the Netflix drama-thriller "Baby Reindeer," a role that earned her a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award. Her performance in "Baby Reindeer" was widely praised, solidifying her status as a versatile and talented actress.

Her personal life became a topic of public interest when she came out as a lesbian to her family and friends in November 2022. She confirmed her sexuality in a June 2024 interview, describing her coming out experience as a significant and liberating moment in her life.