Jackson's Career Evolution from Stage to Screen
From the prestigious stages of the West End to breakout roles in hit sitcoms, Jackson has built a versatile career characterized by a seamless transition between theater and television. Her journey reflects a steady climb through the ranks of the entertainment industry, moving from supporting roles to critically acclaimed lead performances.
Early Career and Stage Foundations
Jackson began her professional journey by diversifying her experience across different mediums. Her television debut occurred in 2016, where she appeared in four episodes of the Harlan Coben production The Five as Sasha. During the same year, she demonstrated her theatrical range by playing Curley's wife in the Birmingham Repertory Theatre tour of John Steinbeck's classic, Of Mice and Men.
Her commitment to the stage continued into 2018, when she took on the role of Shena Carney in a West End production of The Ferryman at the Gielgud Theatre. Additionally, she made a brief appearance in the series finale of the 2017 BBC One drama Broken.
Breakthrough Success with Derry Girls
Jackson achieved widespread recognition starting January 4, 2018, with her debut as Erin Quinn in the Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls. Her portrayal of the ambitious and spirited Erin became a cornerstone of the series, earning her a nomination for the IFTA (Irish Film and Television Academy) Gala Television Award for Best Female Performance.
She remained with the series for three seasons, continuing her role until the show concluded in May 2022. This role solidified her place as a prominent figure in contemporary television comedy.
Diverse Ventures and Recent Projects
Beyond scripted drama and comedy, Jackson has showcased her personality in other formats. In 2019, she emerged as the overall winner of The Great Christmas/Festive Bake Off. She has also used her platform for philanthropy; on June 26, 2020, she joined her Derry Girls castmates and Saoirse Ronan for a sketch in RTÉ Does Comic Relief, a fundraising special dedicated to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent years have seen her tackle more mature and complex roles. In 2025, she appeared in the BBC One gangster series This City Is Ours, set in Liverpool, where she played Cheryl Crawford, the wife of Davey Crawford (played by Stephen Walters). Following this, in 2026, she joined the cast of Lisa McGee's Netflix series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast in the role of Feeney.
Key Facts
- Television Debut: 2016 in The Five.
- Breakout Role: Erin Quinn in Derry Girls (2018–2022).
- Major Award Nomination: IFTA Gala Television Award for Best Female Performance.
- Stage Experience: Performed in Of Mice and Men and The Ferryman.
- Recent Work: This City Is Ours (2025) and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (2026).
The following table provides a chronological overview of Jackson's professional milestones.
| Year | Project | Role | Medium/Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | The Five | Sasha | Television |
| 2016 | Of Mice and Men | Curley's wife | Theatre |
| 2017 | Broken | Brief appearance | BBC One |
| 2018 | The Ferryman | Shena Carney | West End Theatre |
| 2018-2022 | Derry Girls | Erin Quinn | Channel 4 |
| 2019 | The Great Christmas/Festive Bake Off | Winner | Television |
| 2020 | RTÉ Does Comic Relief | Sketch Performer | RTÉ |
| 2025 | This City Is Ours | Cheryl Crawford | BBC One |
| 2026 | How to Get to Heaven from Belfast | Feeney | Netflix |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jackson's first television role?
Jackson made her television debut in 2016, appearing as Sasha in four episodes of the series The Five.
Which role earned Jackson an IFTA nomination?
She was nominated for the IFTA Gala Television Award for Best Female Performance for her role as Erin Quinn in the sitcom Derry Girls.
Has Jackson performed in theater?
Yes, she has performed in the Birmingham Repertory Theatre tour of Of Mice and Men and a West End production of The Ferryman at the Gielgud Theatre.
What is Jackson's most recent work?
Her most recent roles include Cheryl Crawford in the 2025 BBC One series This City Is Ours and Feeney in the 2026 Netflix series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.
Did Jackson participate in any charity events?
Yes, in June 2020, she performed in the RTÉ Does Comic Relief special to raise funds for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.