- Was in a relationship with actor David Thewlis from 2001 - 2010. They have one daughter, Gracie Ellen Mary Friel, born on July 9, 2005.
- Lobbied for the role of "Nymphadora Tonks" in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), after the sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, revealed that "Tonks" was romantically involved with "Remus Lupin", who is played by her real-life boyfriend, David Thewlis.
- Caused a major controversy with her Lesbian screen kiss with Nicola Stephenson on the set of Brookside (1982) in 1994.
- Was one of People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People in the world (2008).
- Was the runner up for Helena Bonham Carter's role in Fight Club (1999).
- Starred as Holly Golightly on the British stage adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany's. (June 2009)
- Gave birth to her daughter Gracie Ellen Mary Thewlis in London's Portland hospital, fathered by David Thewlis, having been in a relationship with him from 2001 until December 2010 (9 July 2005)
- Is of Irish descent.
- Made her American stage debut at New York City's Music Box in 1999 as Alice in Patrick Marber's "Closer".
- Made her British stage debut in off-West End London production of "Lulu" by Frank Wedekind in 2001.
- She and ex-boyfriend David Thewlis became The Faces Of Mulberry for Spring 2002.
- Ranked #21 in Wizard magazine's Sexiest Women of TV list (March 2008).
- Friel and her partner, David Thewlis, separated after nearly ten years together [December 2010].
- Gave birth to daughter Gracie Ellen Mary Thewlis on July 9, 2005 at Portland Hospital in London.
- Broadway debut in 1999 in Closer.
- Made her acting debut in Alan Bleasdales G.B.H. (1991).
- Joined Brookside as Beth Jordache.
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