From soap drama to mentoring young actors, Adele Silva has reinvented her career and embraced life beyond the screen.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Adele Silva was born on 19 November 1980 in Norbury, London. She trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, setting the stage for a life in acting. Her early appearances included Doctor Who: Survival, Mr Majeika, The Bill, and EastEnders.

In 1993, Adele landed her breakout role as Kelly Windsor in Emmerdale. Kelly was a dramatic character, known for turbulent romances and shocking storylines. From dating her stepbrother Scott Windsor to running off with her teacher Tom Bainbridge, Kelly became a fan favorite for her bold antics.

Key Storylines on Emmerdale

Kelly’s storylines were never dull. She had a pregnancy with Chris Tate, complicated affairs, and conflicts that left lasting impacts on the village. In 2011, she returned to turn Jimmy King’s life upside down, leaving him with amnesia and pretending they were in a relationship. Their child, Elliot, became part of a reality show storyline before being raised by Jimmy and Nicola.

These dramatic arcs made Kelly Windsor one of Emmerdale’s most memorable characters, and Adele Silva’s portrayal won her acclaim among viewers.

Life After Leaving the Soap

After leaving Emmerdale, Adele explored a variety of roles and ventures. She appeared on TV shows like Is Harry on the Boat?, Mile High, The Courtroom, and Jam. Reality TV also became a part of her career, with appearances on Celebrity Fear Factor, The Salon, I’m Famous and Frightened!, and Celebrity 5 Go Dating.

Adele also became known in men’s magazines, including FHM, Front, and Maxim. She even competed on Hell’s Kitchen, finishing second behind Irish boxer Barry McGuigan. Later, she launched a limited-edition wine collection through her internet reality show Mistress of the Vines.

Transition to Education and Casting

Beyond acting, Adele has shifted her focus behind the camera and into education. She co-created the Young Screen Collective with Ashley Campbell, providing drama workshops, private mentoring sessions, and online courses for young aspiring actors. Ashley has notable credits, including Doctor Who, Call the Midwife, Father Brown, Coronation Street, and Bridgerton.

In 2023, Adele graduated from The National Film and Television School’s casting course. She now works professionally at Rob Kelly Casting, helping shape the next generation of talent while maintaining her creative influence in the industry.

Family and Personal Life

Adele is engaged to Oliver Farber, and the couple welcomed their daughter Sienna on 25 March 2015. She has been open about personal challenges, including three miscarriages and diagnoses of elevated killer cells, an underactive thyroid, and thrombophilia, a blood clotting disorder.

Through private medical care, Adele received the support she needed. She expressed hope and positivity after discovering treatment options that would allow her to have children safely. Her journey has been a mix of challenges and triumphs, reflecting resilience and determination both on and off the screen.

A New Chapter Beyond Acting

Today, Adele Silva balances family, mentoring, and casting work. She remains a familiar face at industry events but is now equally known for her contributions behind the camera. From soap star to educator and casting professional, Adele has successfully reinvented herself while leaving a lasting legacy as Kelly Windsor.

Fans remember her for the dramatic moments on Emmerdale, but her life today highlights growth, creativity, and the determination to make an impact beyond the spotlight.