Who plays Demelza in Poldark? Actress’s career and notable projects explored

When people think of Poldark, they usually start with Ross. It’s natural, he’s the lead.

But anyone who watched the show knows the real shift happens when Demelza steps in. She brings a different pulse to the story. Something sharp and warm at the same time. So the big question people keep asking is "Who plays Demelza in Poldark?"

Eleanor Tomlinson built Demelza with small choices like tone changes, quiet reactions, and that stubborn strength she carries in almost every scene.

---

Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza in Poldark

Eleanor’s role as Demelza Poldark in Poldark (2015–2019) made her widely known. Demelza starts as a miner's daughter, then becomes a housemaid, and eventually marries into a higher social class. That journey, from hardship to transformation, gave Eleanor huge space to show range and growth.

Funny thing, she reportedly wasn’t the first choice for Demelza. Casting folks even considered her for other roles. But Eleanor asked to be read for Demelza. They agreed, and she nailed it.

She dyed her hair red for the part. That look got associated with Demelza for many fans. The red hair, the clothes, the Cornish sea backdrop, all worked together to build a strong, memorable character.

---

Eleanor Tomlinson's other acting roles

Eleanor’s first film role came in 2006: she played “Young Sophie” in The Illusionist.

She appeared in teen/young-adult films as well. In 2008, she was in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. In 2010, she was part of Alice in Wonderland, which gave her exposure in larger film projects.

She kept working through her early career in different roles here and there, small and medium, building experience, learning range, and getting noticed.

---

What she did after Poldark (Versatility and new shapes)

After Poldark ended, Eleanor didn’t stick to just one type of role. She spread out across TV shows, theatre, different genres, and modern stories.

For example, she played “Lady Gabriella Penrose-Howe” (Gabby) in the comedy-drama series The Outlaws (2021–2024). She was “Evie” in the thriller series The Couple Next Door (2023). She also appeared in Netflix’s series One Day (2024) as “Sylvie.”

On the big-screen/film side, she acted in movies such as Colette (2018) and had roles in titles like Love Wedding Repeat (2020). She even tried her hand at voice roles, showing a willingness to explore different branches of acting.

---

What makes Eleanor's role as Demelza stand out in Poldark

Demelza isn’t a one-dimensional heroine. She isn’t perfect. She struggles, she learns, she fights, and that makes the character real. And Eleanor carried that mix of strength and vulnerability with skill.

She has a history behind acting, childhood exposure, family background, and early passion. That kind of foundation matters. It shows when you watch her perform.

Also, the choices she made after Poldark reflect thoughtfulness. Going from period drama to modern tales, from lead roles to supporting ones, from screen to voice work, all that suggests she values craft over easy fame.

---

What’s next (Where she’s headed)

She’s part of the upcoming adaptation of The Forsyte Saga, playing “Louisa Byrne.” It could be interesting to watch how she approaches it.

She seems drawn to variety, not just sticking to a “type.” That could give her a long career with many faces and roles.

For viewers who love strong women, flawed characters, or actors who take risks, Eleanor gives you that. She builds each new role carefully.

---

Eleanor Tomlinson became Demelza, yes. But she also became more than that. Her journey, from a London-born girl to a Yorkshire teen, from school plays to big film sets, shows persistence. Her choice to push for Demelza speaks of grit. And her career after, full of variety, speaks of ambition in a quiet, steady manner.