Alicia Forde has rapidly become one of the most compelling young talents in the British entertainment industry. Born and raised in Widnes, Cheshire, she grew up in a region where community spirit and local culture provide a rich backdrop for creative ambition. From an early age, Alicia displayed an innate love for storytelling and performance. Her childhood was marked by a curiosity about the world and a desire to share narratives that reflect both personal experience and the universal human condition.
Family and friends often recall her early fascination with drama clubs and school productions, where she embraced the excitement of stepping into different characters. This early passion provided the foundation for a career that would eventually span theatre, television and her own writing. Alicia’s ability to observe people, capture their quirks and translate them into authentic performances would become a defining feature of her artistic style.
Training and Path to Professional Acting
Alicia Forde’s professional journey began with a focus on theatre. After finishing her formal education, she took part in a variety of stage productions, sharpening her skills in live performance. Theatre demands precision, timing and a deep understanding of character motivation, and Alicia embraced these challenges with enthusiasm.
Her commitment to growth led her to enrol in a short course at the prestigious National Film and Television School. This experience allowed her to explore the technical aspects of acting for the screen and to understand the different rhythms of television compared to theatre. It was during these formative years that Alicia discovered her talent not only as a performer but also as a writer and storyteller. She began developing scripts and exploring the craft of directing, showing an instinctive grasp of pacing and narrative that would later inform her own creative projects.
Breakthrough with Waterloo Road
A pivotal moment in Alicia’s career came when she was spotted by casting director Michelle Smith during a stage performance of Shakespeare. This serendipitous encounter opened the door to a life-changing audition for the BBC’s much-loved drama Waterloo Road. The series, known for its powerful exploration of teenage life and education in the UK, offered Alicia her first major television role and introduced her to a national audience.
Since 2023, Alicia Forde has played Kelly-Jo Rafferty, a character who quickly became a fan favourite. Kelly-Jo is bright, outspoken and at times disruptive, a teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence while living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Through her portrayal, Alicia captures both the restless energy and the hidden vulnerability of her character. Viewers and critics alike have praised her for bringing depth and nuance to a storyline that highlights the challenges faced by young people with ADHD.
Her work on Waterloo Road is more than entertainment; it also carries an important social message. By presenting Kelly-Jo’s struggles with empathy and authenticity, Alicia contributes to a broader conversation about neurodiversity and mental health in schools. She has spoken in interviews about how significant it is to represent a character whose experiences resonate with many young viewers and their families.
Expanding Horizons: Time and Ryan Can’t Read
While Waterloo Road remains her most recognisable role, Alicia Forde has not limited herself to a single series. In 2023 she joined the cast of Time Series Two, playing Sarah Duddy in the critically acclaimed prison drama. The show, known for its unflinching portrayal of the criminal justice system, offered Alicia the chance to explore a very different kind of character and to demonstrate her versatility as an actress.
In 2024 she appeared in the short film Ryan Can’t Read, portraying Lindsay. The project, though brief in length, reinforced her growing reputation as an actress capable of conveying complex emotions with subtlety and strength. Each new role demonstrates her commitment to challenging herself artistically and to selecting projects that offer both personal growth and meaningful storytelling.
Emerging Voice as a Writer and Director
Alicia Forde’s creative talents extend well beyond acting. She has already begun to establish herself as a writer and director, working on a short film with the striking title Squeaky Bum’s Never Gonna Be One of the Lads. Collaborating with fellow Waterloo Road cast member Noah Valentine, Alicia brings to this project a combination of wit, observational insight and a determination to explore themes of identity and belonging.
Her writing reflects a deep understanding of character development and the subtle interplay of humour and drama. By moving behind the camera, Alicia demonstrates the confidence of an artist who sees storytelling as a multifaceted craft. Whether she is performing a role or shaping a narrative from the director’s chair, her aim remains the same: to create work that resonates with audiences and sparks conversation.
Style and Approach to Her Craft
What sets Alicia apart is the naturalness of her performances. Colleagues describe her as a keen observer of human behaviour, capable of capturing the smallest gestures and inflections that make a character believable. She approaches each role with a blend of careful research and intuitive understanding, ensuring that her portrayals remain grounded in reality.
Alicia also values collaboration. She has often spoken about the importance of working closely with directors, writers and fellow actors to create a shared vision. This openness to teamwork fosters an environment in which creativity can flourish, allowing her to deliver performances that feel both spontaneous and carefully crafted.
Representation and Growing Influence
As her career gathers momentum, Alicia Forde has become a figure of inspiration for aspiring performers, particularly young women who dream of making their mark in British television and theatre. Her success demonstrates the value of dedication, continuous learning and the courage to embrace new opportunities.
She is represented by leading UK talent agency Curtis Brown, a testament to her growing stature in the industry. Her presence on social media allows her to engage with fans and share insights into her projects, further strengthening the bond between performer and audience.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Alicia Forde’s career appears poised for even greater achievements. Her blend of on-screen charisma, writing talent and emerging directorial skills makes her one of the most exciting multi-disciplinary artists of her generation. Whether she continues to expand her acting repertoire or takes on more ambitious projects behind the camera, her influence on British entertainment is set to grow.
Industry observers expect her to be a key player in shaping the next wave of UK drama and independent film. With her willingness to explore challenging roles and her commitment to authentic storytelling, Alicia embodies the evolving spirit of contemporary British theatre and television.
Conclusion
Alicia Forde stands as a vibrant example of how dedication, versatility and creative curiosity can propel a performer from local stages to national recognition. From her breakthrough role as Kelly-Jo Rafferty in Waterloo Road to her work in Time and her ventures into writing and directing, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for stories that matter. Her career is still in its early chapters, yet she has already made a significant impact on audiences and the industry alike.
As she continues to grow as an actress and storyteller, Alicia Forde represents not only the future of British entertainment but also the power of art to connect, challenge and inspire.
