The 19-year-old has now committed to the club on a permanent basis. Gillgrass joined Essex after progressing through Warwickshire Women's Academy and previously representing Worcestershire Women.

The all-rounder made 14 appearances for Essex Women in the 2026 season, taking six wickets with her best figures being 2-26 against Somerset Women.

Gillgrass said: "I am really excited and proud to be signing with Essex for the next two seasons after really enjoying my time at Chelmsford this summer."

Gillgrass has also been named in England Women's Under-19 squads for both the ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup and the series against India. She will represent England Under-19s in a five-match T20 series against India in November and December, ahead of the ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup in Nepal and Bangladesh.

Nick Browne, Essex Women’s assistant coach, said: "She is developing her game with both bat and ball at a rapid rate, which is incredibly exciting. We are delighted that her short-term deal has transitioned into a permanent one."