Kathryn Sarah Collins Jupe (born 12 December 1973),[1] known professionally as Katy Cavanagh, is an English actress.

Cavanagh was born in North Shields, the daughter of Anne, a drama teacher, and Geoff, a headmaster.

She was educated at Canon Slade School and trained at RADA and National Youth Theatre.

In 2004, she had a regular role as Sergeant Dawn "Spike" Milligan in the television series Dalziel and Pascoe.

[5] Cavanagh returned to the role in 2025, to accommodate the departure of Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver).