Inside DI Ray star Parminder Nagra's family life as she opens up on motherhood

Parminder Nagra stars as DI Ray in the new ITV drama but she has a fascinating life off-screen, from a famous ex and motherhood to a divorce from her husband

DI Ray, played by Parminder Nagra, is back on ITV as a detective inspector in a fictional Birmingham-based police force. Despite having no formal acting training, the 49-year-old shines in the lead role and boasts an intriguing backstory.

Born in Leicester, she was scouted by her former drama teacher after leaving school, who invited her to join the Leicester-based theatre company Haithizi Productions.

She landed a role in the musical Nimai, stepping into the shoes of the lead actress who had dropped out. Despite being a total newcomer, she received acclaim for her singing and acting skills.

Choosing not to attend university, she instead concentrated on her acting career, with her big break coming in the form of Bend It Like Beckham in 2002. She underwent intense nine-hour daily workouts for the part.

Over the years, the star has had two significant relationships. Her first was in 1996 with Irish actor Kieran Creggan, reports Birmingham Live.

The couple met while working on the play Fair Ladies at a Game of Poem Cards and subsequently moved into a flat together in Kennington, South London.

After five years together, they parted ways, and she later met photographer James Stenson.

They tied the knot in 2009, after seven years of dating. Her ER co-stars Scott Grimes and John Stamos even performed at their wedding.

Her friend and fellow ER star Maura Tierney officiated the ceremony.

The couple were over the moon with the birth of their son, Kai David Singh Stenson, in May 2009, but by July 2013, their marriage ended in divorce.

Parminder's high-profile split, dubbed as "bitter" by media outlets, saw her walking away with her swanky California pad valued at upwards of $700,000 alongside their property in the UK.

On her professional front, she grabbed the spotlight in 'Maternal', portraying an NHS nurse juggling her job with motherhood.

In a heartfelt confession about striking the balance between work and home life to Leicester Mercury, she mentioned: "[We were] making sure our kids were taken care of and making sure that we were still able to do our work, and then feeling guilty if we weren't there."

Parminder also disclosed her philosophy on work-life dynamics, saying: "I like being at work, and that makes me a better mother, because I'm basically just in a better mood. Otherwise, where's my identity gone?".

DI Ray airs on ITV on Sunday from 9pm