Kara Tointon is an English actress best known for playing Dawn Swann in the BBC soap opera EastEnders and for winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2010. Since her early days as an extra on the same show, she has built a career across television, film, and the West End stage. In 2025, she made headlines for undergoing preventive surgery after testing positive for the BRCA mutation and for landing a role in the next Hunger Games film.
Who is Kara Tointon? Career and Biography
| Born | Famous For | Partner | Children | Sister | Strictly Win (Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 5, 1983, Southend-on-Sea, England | Dawn Swann in EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing winner | Marius Jensen (partner, engaged 2018) | 2 sons | Hannah Tointon (actress) | Yes (2010, with Artem Chigvintsev) |
- Kara Tointon is best known for playing Dawn Swann in EastEnders and winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2010.
- She has two sons with partner Marius Jensen, a Norwegian chiropractor.
- Her sister, Hannah Tointon, is also an actress known for Hollyoaks.
- Recent TV work includes Too Good To Be True (2024) and Archie (2023).
- In 2025, she announced a double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA mutation.
- She will appear as Willamae Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping, the next Hunger Games film, due in 2026.
- Her height is 5 ft 4½ in (1.64 m).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kara Louise Tointon |
| Birth date | 5 August 1983 |
| Birth place | Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England |
| Height | 5 ft 4½ in (1.64 m) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing |
| Partner | Marius Jensen (engaged 2018) |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Sibling | Hannah Tointon |
Kara Tointon’s Husband, Sister, and Family Life
Who is Kara Tointon’s partner?
Kara Tointon is not publicly listed as married. Her long-term partner is Norwegian chiropractor Marius Jensen, with whom she got engaged in 2018. Together they have two sons. Sources refer to him as her fiancé or partner, but no marriage ceremony has been reported.
Does Kara Tointon have children?
Yes, she has two sons. The eldest was born in 2021 according to some sources, and a second child arrived later. She has kept details of her children’s names and ages largely private.
Who is Kara Tointon’s sister?
Her younger sister, Hannah Tointon, is also an actress. Hannah is best known for playing Katy Fox in Hollyoaks. The two sisters have both built acting careers in British television.
Kara and Hannah Tointon grew up in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Their mother, Carol, worked as a teaching assistant, and their father, Derek, was a builder. The sisters remain close but tend to keep family matters out of the spotlight.
Kara Tointon on Strictly Come Dancing and Netflix
Did Kara Tointon win Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, in 2010 she won the eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev. Their victory was widely celebrated, and the couple’s chemistry on the dance floor attracted significant media attention.
Is Kara Tointon on Netflix?
Some of her TV series, such as Mr Selfridge and The Halcyon, are available on Netflix in certain regions. However, streaming availability varies, and EastEnders is not on Netflix in most countries. Viewers are advised to check local Netflix or Amazon Prime listings for her shows.
Movies and TV shows featuring Kara Tointon
Her television credits include EastEnders (2005–2010), Strictly Come Dancing (2010), The Sound of Music Live! (2015), Mr Selfridge (2013–2014), The Halcyon (2017), Lewis, Henry IX, Urban Myths, Too Good To Be True (2024), and Archie (2023). She also appeared in films such as The Football Factory (2004), The Sweeney (2012), Last Passenger (2013), and The Gallery (2022).
What is Kara Tointon Doing Now? (2025 Update)
Latest news in 2025–2026
In May 2025, Kara Tointon revealed that she had undergone a double mastectomy and bilateral salpingectomy after testing positive for the BRCA mutation, a genetic condition that increases the risk of certain cancers. She spoke publicly about the procedure to raise awareness.
In July 2025, it was announced that she will play Willamae Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping, the upcoming prequel to The Hunger Games series. The film is scheduled for release on 20 November 2026.
The role of Willamae Abernathy marks Tointon’s entry into a major Hollywood franchise. Sunrise on the Reaping is directed by Francis Lawrence and is based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name.
Key Career and Life Milestones
- : Born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
- : Acting debut in Teachers.
- : Played Dawn Swann in EastEnders.
- : Won Strictly Come Dancing with Artem Chigvintsev.
- : Starred as Kitty Hawkins in Mr Selfridge.
- : Got engaged to Marius Jensen.
- : Gave birth to first son.
- : Voiced a character in The Last Bus.
- : Appeared in Archie.
- : Underwent preventive surgery after BRCA diagnosis.
- : Cast in Sunrise on the Reaping.
Certainty and Uncertainty Around Kara Tointon’s Personal Life
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| She has two sons and is in a long-term relationship with Marius Jensen. | Whether she and Jensen are married or remain engaged is not publicly confirmed. |
| Her sister is actress Hannah Tointon. | Exact current 2025 projects beyond Hunger Games are not yet fully public. |
| She won Strictly Come Dancing in 2010. | Streaming availability for her shows varies by region and platform. |
Kara Tointon’s Rise to Fame and Public Profile
Kara Tointon first appeared on television as an extra in EastEnders before later landing the role of Dawn Swann in 2005. Her character became a fan favourite, and she remained on the show until 2010. That same year, she won Strictly Come Dancing, significantly raising her profile. She transitioned to period drama with Mr Selfridge and continued with stage work in the West End, including roles in Pygmalion and The Sound of Music Live!. Her personal life attracted attention during her relationship with EastEnders co-star Joe Swash (2004–2007). Since becoming a mother, she has taken a more selective approach to roles, balancing family with acting.
Sources on Kara Tointon’s Career
“Kara played Dawn Swann in EastEnders and won Strictly Come Dancing in 2010.”
— BBC
“Kara Tointon is an English actress, known for playing Dawn Swann in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.”
— Wikipedia
“Kara Tointon – a girl who is anything but average.”
— IMDB
Summary of Kara Tointon’s Life and Career
Kara Tointon remains a recognisable figure in British entertainment, with her EastEnders and Strictly achievements as career highlights. In 2025, she made headlines for both a major health decision and a significant film role. As she steps into the Hunger Games universe, her career enters a new chapter. For more on other soap stars who have crossed into reality competition, see our article on Pete Wicks – Full Biography, Net Worth and Strictly Come Dancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kara Tointon?
Kara Tointon was born on 5 August 1983, making her 42 as of 2026.
What is Kara Tointon’s net worth?
No reliable net worth figure appears in public sources. She earned income from EastEnders, Strictly, and various acting roles.
Did Kara Tointon and Joe Swash have children?
No, they dated from 2004 to 2007 and did not have children together.
Is Kara Tointon on Instagram?
Yes, her official Instagram handle is @kara_tointon.
What is Kara Tointon’s height?
She is 5 ft 4½ in (1.64 m) tall.
Does Kara Tointon have a husband?
She is not publicly listed as married. Her long-term partner is Marius Jensen, with whom she shares two children.
What EastEnders character did Kara Tointon play?
She played Dawn Swann from 2005 to 2010.
Did Kara Tointon win Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, she won the 2010 series with professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev.
What is Kara Tointon doing now?
She is working on Sunrise on the Reaping (2026) and continues to take selective TV and film roles.
Who is Kara Tointon’s sister?
Her younger sister, Hannah Tointon, is also an actress known for Hollyoaks.
Freddie Harry Cooper Bennett is a staff writer for DailyPressUK.co.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Whitmore and UK Managing Editor Eleanor Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.