She has since starred in the Netflix series Safe (2018), the BBC One drama Three Families (2021), and the Channel 4 sitcom Everyone Else Burns (2023).

She spent the first year of her life in Catterick, North Yorkshire before settling down in Failsworth, Greater Manchester.

[1][2] James-Kelly began her career in theatre productions of Beauty Manifesto, Trojan Women, My Fair Lady and Frank and Ferdinand.

In December 2013, James-Kelly made her television debut in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street as Maddie Heath, a troubled teenager and Sophie Webster's love interest.

In February 2015, she announced she would be leaving Coronation Street and made her final appearance that June when her character was killed off.