Roxanne Pallett rose to fame as Jo Stiles in ITV soap Emmerdale, but after years onscreen she now leads a much quieter life. 

The actress, 41, famously caused controversy during her appearance on celebrity Big Brother in 2018 when she wrongly accused fellow housemate Ryan Thomas of punching her in the ribs. 

The incident received over 25,000 complaints from the public with Roxanne even claiming she had become ‘the most hated woman in Britain.’

The soap star joined award-winning ITV soap Emmerdale in 2005 as Andy Sugden’s wife, Jo Stiles in 2005 and left thee years later.

After leaving Emmerdale in 2008, Roxanne competed in Dancing on Ice in 2009 and has starred in a number of movies, stage musicals and television series including Waterloo Road and Casualty.

Her film credits include horrors; 2010’s Lake Placid 3, as well as Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort and Devil’s Tower, both in 2014.

Roxanne has also featured in various reality television shows including Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes, Soapstar Superstar, Dancing On Ice, Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls and Celebrity Coach Trip.

Just before her stint on Big Brother she had a short stint on Minster FM as the co-host of its weekly breakfast show.

In 2018, Roxanne caused ructions on CBB after she accused ex Coronation Street star Ryan, of ‘repeatedly and deliberately punching’ her when he was actually punching the air near her.

Ryan had been playfighting with her but Roxanne insisted he hit her with malice and told the other housemates this version of events.

Her accusations left Ryan baffled and devastated as he continually pleaded his innocence after Big Brother cruelly issued him an official warning.

The producers later combed over the footage of the incident and concluded that Ryan had not punched Roxanne.

The incident received over 25,000 complaints from the public and several of Roxanne’s Emmerdale co-stars criticised her behaviour.

Host Emma Willis also criticised Roxanne, saying she could have ‘ruined’ Ryan’s reputation had there not been any cameras filming the incident.

In 2020, Roxanne revealed she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prescribed strong sedatives and underwent therapy during her battle with suicidal thoughts after the incident encouraged her to seek help.