Hannah Tointon is an English actress whose career has stretched across television, film and theatre for more than two decades. Although many viewers remember Hannah Tointon most clearly as Tara Brown from the third series of The Inbetweeners, her work began years before that comedy became a defining part of her public profile.
Born on 28 December 1987 in Southend, Essex, Hannah Tointon developed an interest in acting at a young age. Her screen career includes soap drama, comedy, period drama, horror and supernatural productions, giving her a considerably broader body of work than her best-known comedy role alone might suggest. Current entertainment databases also list her among the cast of the television series Patience.
Hannah Tointon Age and Early Life
As of 2026, Hannah Tointon is 38 years old. She was born in Southend, Essex, on 28 December 1987, and was raised in the Leigh-on-Sea area with her older sister, actress Kara Tointon. The sisters later shared the screen in Mr Selfridge, where they played members of the Selfridge family.
Hannah Tointon attended St Michael’s School in Leigh and St Hilda’s School in Westcliff-on-Sea. Her early professional work began while she was still young, eventually leading to a steady series of television appearances during the 2000s.
Hannah Tointon and Hollyoaks
One of the most important early milestones in Hannah Tointon’s career was her appearance in Hollyoaks. She played Katy Fox, the younger sister of Warren Fox, beginning in 2007.
Hannah Tointon remained with the Channel 4 soap for roughly a year before leaving to pursue different opportunities. Her departure was a deliberate career decision rather than the end of her acting ambitions. The character later became part of another major Hollyoaks storyline, although Hannah’s original run had already concluded.
The role gave Hannah Tointon valuable experience in one of Britain’s best-known continuing dramas and helped establish her as a recognisable young television performer.
Hannah Tointon in The Inbetweeners
For many fans, Hannah Tointon is best remembered for playing Tara Brown in The Inbetweeners. She appeared in the show’s third series as Tara, who becomes romantically involved with Simon Cooper, played by Joe Thomas.
The role was relatively brief compared with some of her later television work, but it became particularly memorable because of the show’s lasting popularity. Hannah Tointon’s performance as Tara added another dimension to the awkward romantic storylines that were central to the comedy.
Interestingly, the connection between Hannah Tointon and Joe Thomas continued away from the programme. The two actors developed a long-term relationship after meeting through The Inbetweeners.
Hannah Tointon and Joe Thomas
The relationship between Hannah Tointon and Joe Thomas has attracted considerable interest because their characters were romantically connected on screen. In real life, however, their relationship developed into a long-term partnership.
Reports state that the couple moved in together in 2012 and became engaged in 2017. In October 2022, they announced the arrival of their first child. They have generally kept their family life away from the intense level of publicity associated with celebrity relationships.
That private approach has allowed Hannah Tointon to maintain a relatively low-key public profile while continuing to work as an actress.
Hannah Tointon in Mr Selfridge
Another notable chapter came when Hannah Tointon joined Mr Selfridge. She played Violette Selfridge, while her sister Kara Tointon played Rosalie Selfridge.
The casting was unusual because the real-life sisters were also portraying sisters within the period drama. Hannah Tointon and Kara reportedly had some initial concerns about auditioning for the same production, but the opportunity ultimately allowed them to work together professionally.
The period setting also demonstrated a different side of Hannah Tointon’s acting ability compared with her earlier work in soap and comedy.
Other Television Roles
Hannah Tointon’s television career includes appearances in several recognisable British productions. Her credits include The Hour, Switch, Sinbad, Midsomer Murders, Death in Paradise, Call the Midwife and The Midwich Cuckoos.
She also appeared in Penny Dreadful and played Violette Selfridge in Mr Selfridge. More recently, her credits include Patience, where she appears as Joy.
This range of roles is important when looking at Hannah Tointon’s career as a whole. Rather than remaining associated with a single genre, she has moved between comedy, drama, period television and darker productions.
Hannah Tointon’s Film Career
Alongside television, Hannah Tointon has built a smaller but varied film résumé. Her film work includes The Children, The Lost Future, Young, High and Dead, Walking with the Enemy, Captain Webb and The Festival.
The Festival, released in 2018, was particularly notable as a comedy connected with the creative team behind The Inbetweeners. Hannah Tointon played Caitlin in the film.
Her film choices demonstrate the same variety visible in her television career, moving between horror, comedy, historical drama and other genres.
Hannah Tointon and Theatre
Theatre has also played a role in Hannah Tointon’s professional development. Her stage credits include productions such as Strangers on a Train and Waitress.
In an interview about Strangers on a Train, Hannah Tointon explained that theatre offered a different experience from television because performers have more time to develop a character. She described the production as a learning experience and a different direction for her career.
For Hannah Tointon, theatre therefore became another way to expand her acting experience rather than simply relying on television work.
Why Hannah Tointon Remains Recognisable
The lasting interest in Hannah Tointon comes from a combination of memorable television roles and a career that continued developing after her breakthrough appearances.
For some audiences, she will always be Tara from The Inbetweeners. Others know her as Katy Fox from Hollyoaks or Violette Selfridge from Mr Selfridge. Her later work, including The Midwich Cuckoos and Patience, shows that her career has continued beyond those earlier roles.
Hannah Tointon Today
Today, Hannah Tointon has a career spanning more than 20 years. At 38, she remains associated with British television and film, while maintaining a comparatively private personal life.
Her story is not simply about one popular sitcom. Hannah Tointon has worked consistently across different formats and genres, building a varied career that includes soap opera, comedy, period drama, horror, film and theatre.
Conclusion
Hannah Tointon’s career is a good example of how a memorable television role can become one part of a much larger acting journey. From Hollyoaks and The Inbetweeners to Mr Selfridge, film projects, theatre and more recent television work, she has continued to explore different characters and genres.
While Tara Brown remains one of her most recognisable roles, Hannah Tointon’s wider career shows an actress who has consistently moved beyond a single screen identity. Her combination of television, film and stage work has helped her maintain a lasting presence in British entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hannah Tointon
Who is Hannah Tointon?
Hannah Tointon is an English actress best known for Hollyoaks, The Inbetweeners and Mr Selfridge. She has also appeared in numerous British television and film productions.
How old is Hannah Tointon?
Hannah Tointon was born on 28 December 1987. She is 38 years old in 2026.
Who is Hannah Tointon’s partner?
Hannah Tointon is engaged to actor Joe Thomas, whom she met through The Inbetweeners. They have been together for many years and have one child.
What did Hannah Tointon play in The Inbetweeners?
Hannah Tointon played Tara Brown in the third series of The Inbetweeners. Tara was romantically involved with Joe Thomas’s character, Simon Cooper.
Is Hannah Tointon related to Kara Tointon?
Yes. Hannah Tointon is the younger sister of actress Kara Tointon. The sisters appeared together in Mr Selfridge, playing sisters in the drama.
