Ashley was cast as Kate Sharma, the new lead in season 2 of the show.

According to the books, her character will fall in love with the eldest Bridgerton brother, Anthony.

Naturally,Bridgertonfans were keen to know more about the show’s newest star.

Simone Ashley, close-up

We’ve done a little digging to find out more about Ashley.

It turns out, she’s a pretty interesting young woman!

She’s also a huge fan of a wide range of music and films.

Simone Ashley wearing an off-the-shoulder dress

Curious to find out more about the up-and-coming actress?

Here is the untold truth of Simone Ashley.

Ashley went on to recall how her home was always filled with all kinds of media to consume.

Simone Ashley wearing a purple top

Sounds like the star definitely learned a lot from her father when she was young.

“They still find it quite scary and unsettling,” she continued.

“There is no crystal ball, no security, no guarantee.

Simone Ashley taking a selfie

Which can be a parent’s worst nightmare.”

Even though Ashley defied her parents' wishes by going into acting, they accepted her decision.

As she put it, “They know I’m a smart lady.”

Simone Ashley wearing a bold blue shirt

However, when she was younger, it wasn’t always easy for Ashley to forge her own path.

Clearly, her rebelliousness and her perseverance has paid off!

“It allows me to be spontaneous and play.”

Simone Ashley in a black tank top

After this degree, Ashley began auditioning and pretty soon, she was forging a pretty spectacular career.

Additionally, Ashley’s turn inKill Ben Lykwas her first chance to really show heracting chops.

This was swiftly followed with a role in the ITV thrillerThe Sister and the announcement of her casting inBridgerton.

Simone Ashley wearing an embroidered jacket

In a since-deleted interview withEnvision Writing Group, the actress opened up about her approach to acting.

Indeed, for Ashley, acting is a means of connecting both with herself and with others.

Wow, sounds like she certainly has some deep thoughts on the subject!

Simone Ashley and co-stars in Sex Education

“We are all only human!”

Additionally, Ashley explained that she was immediately hooked by the setting that she could envision herself in.

No wonder she leapt at the chance to be part of it!

Simone Ashley with her dog

As she explained toVeylex, “I got out my paint brushes and started painting.”

First, Ashley chatted with the script writers to find out more about her character.

Then, she set about doing research.

Simone Ashley in a selfie

In fact, these movies gave Ashley the idea of making bubblegum part of the character.

Ashley certainly did an amazing job of fleshing out this character and giving her plenty of layers.

And based on her Instagram, Simone Ashley is definitely a dog person.

Simone Ashley close-up wearing eyeliner

Before that in February,anotherdog appeared on Ashley’s page.

And who can forget Ashley’s many hilarious scenes inSex Education?

However, in 2020, the young actress showed us a very different side inThe Sister.

Simone Ashley taking a selfie

Talk about a change of pace!

Unsurprisingly, Ashley proved herself more than capable of handling this dark subject matter.

Sounds like Ashley has a real talent for just about every genre.

Simone Ashley walking

As she explained toVeylex, she’s always tried to stay positive and forward-thinking.

“Yes, colorism is an ongoing issue,” she shared.

“If I surrender to all of that, where would I be going?

Simone Ashley holding an ice cream cone

Nowhere,” she continued.

“Usually that mentality breeds positive, bright, and beaming opportunity,” she explained.

Plus, Ashley embraces the chance to represent her community.

Simone Ashley winking

Sounds like Ashley will continue to inspire young South Asian girls with her future projects, too.

Apparently, she’s 5'10" tall and has a tiny 24.5 inch waist.

Ashley occasionally posts modeling shots on her Instagram page, too.

She’s also beenphotographedby Simon Lezzi andDaniyel Lowdon.

Additionally, by the looks of things, Ashley often works withBuster Knightfrom The Only Agency.

As she put it toVeylex, “I have such a deep love for music.

I listen to everything!”

Her mother, on the other hand, was a fan of Phil Collins.

As Ashley came of age, she began to discover her own musical taste and branched out.

“Now I’m discovering more genres like Trip Hop.

I’ve been listening to Morcheeba on repeat,” she continued.

Ashley also cited Alicia Keys, Nina Simon, Rihanna, and Maggie Rogers as other favorites.

Wow, sounds like Ashley has a super varied and electric taste in music!

As the magazine wrote on Instagram, her appearance onSex Educationhas been hugely important for young Indian girls.

She described her ideal reality: “Less force.

More open hearts.”

It’s a lovely vision.

Additionally, according to Ashley, art is the key to creating this better world as it encourages empathy.

“The more we let in the more we can understand and be proactive,” she continued.

“Being proactive is helping.

Donate, sign petitions, protest, speak up.”

This positive call to arms is seriously admirable.

For the series, Kate’s name has been changed from Kate Sheffield to Kate Sharma.

We can’t wait to see what Ashley does with the part!