Kate Bottley was born 12 December 1975 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. She grew up in Yorkshire and later pursued a vocation in the Church of England. Her early life and family background have largely been kept private.

She studied Theology at the University of Leeds before training for ministry. Bottley was ordained as an Anglican priest in 2008 and has served as parish priest in North Nottinghamshire, including work at St Mary and St Martin’s Church in Blyth.

She became widely known in 2013 when a flash-mob dance to “One Day Like This” by Elbow that she organised at a wedding rehearsal in her church went viral online. The video attracted millions of views and brought her national media attention.

Following the viral video, Bottley began working regularly with the BBC, becoming a presenter on Songs of Praise (BBC One) and later hosting programmes such as Good Morning Sunday and The Sunday Show on BBC Radio 2. She has also presented documentaries exploring faith and spirituality.

Bottley lives in Nottinghamshire with her husband, Graham Bottley and children while continuing her work in broadcasting, writing, and parish ministry.