Born in London, Eleanor Tomlinson, 32, made her film debut in The Illusionist in 2006. At 21, she starred as Demelza, opposite Aidan Turner, in a new TV adaptation of Poldark. The series ran for five seasons between 2015 and 2019. Her recent work includes Channel 4’s The Couple Next Door, the Netflix series of One Day and The Outlaws, which returns to BBC One for a third series on 30 May. She is married to the rugby player Will Owen and lives in London.
What is your greatest fear?
I’m terrified of time. The people I love are getting older and time seems to be going faster and faster. It’s scary. I’d like it to slow down, please.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Narcissism. And people coughing on me in public.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I’ve never seen Star Wars (I know!) and on my first day of a recent job, I’m sitting next to this very friendly actor. I ask if he has much experience with motion capture. He says, “Yes.” I say “Oh great! What have you worked on?” He says, “I’m Mark Hamill.”
Describe yourself in three words
Smiley. Dog-obsessed. Odd.
If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
My singing career.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Leo Woodall. He’s probably not free though.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Josh Hartnett in Pearl Harbor. Viggo Mortensen in Lord of the Rings. Beyoncé in everything.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Commentating during films and TV series. Very irritating, or so I’m told.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be a vet, and then realised it’s only really dogs that I adore, and if someone had a poorly mouse, I would be the one needing medical assistance.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
“You were amazing in Game of Thrones.” I say it’s the worst thing – it’s also the best!
What was the last lie that you told?
That I’m an accountant, not an actress.
What does love feel like?
Relief and an achy feeling in your cheeks from smiling.
What was the best kiss of your life?
I met Cate Blanchett at the Baftas, and she kissed me on the cheek. Still not over it.
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Have you ever said ‘I love you’ without meaning it?
No, I don’t think I have.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Losing out on a role, any role. I get so invested. I can take rejection, but only when useful feedback is given.
If you could edit your past, what would you change?
A few of my exes.
What would you like to leave your children?
A collection of aunts and uncles.
What is the closest you’ve come to death?
A horse-riding accident when I was about 15.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Endless acting jobs.
What has been your closest brush with the law?
A security guard in Woolworths accused me of stealing a Creme Egg. I hadn’t. I cried. I’m that badass.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Talk to people. Learn from them. And put your phone away.