Kara Tointon has been a familiar face on British screens for over two decades. From her breakout role as Dawn Swann in EastEnders to winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, she has proven her versatility as a performer. Therefore, she remains one of the UK’s most beloved actresses.
With a successful stage career, a growing family, and new projects on the horizon, Kara Tointon continues to captivate audiences. As a result, her star continues to rise.
Who Is Kara Tointon?
Kara Louise Tointon was born on August 5, 1983, in Basildon, Essex [citation:2][citation:5]. She grew up in Leigh-on-Sea with her younger sister Hannah, who is also an actress [citation:5]. Therefore, performing runs in the family.
When Kara was seven, she was diagnosed with dyslexia [citation:5]. To help with this, she took speech and drama lessons. Her very first acting role was playing Brigitta in a local production of The Sound of Music [citation:5]. As a result, her career began at a young age.
Like Adam Frost, Kara has spoken openly about her learning difficulties and has used her platform to help others facing similar challenges.
EastEnders: Dawn Swann Years
Kara Tointon first appeared on television as an extra in EastEnders in 1994, playing a school friend of Sonia Fowler [citation:9]. In June 2005, she joined the BBC soap as a regular character, Dawn Swann [citation:9]. Therefore, she became a household name.
She played the role for four years, appearing in 337 episodes before leaving on 27 August 2009 [citation:9]. Her character was involved in dramatic storylines, including a romance with Garry Hobbs and a kidnapping plot. As a result, Dawn Swann became a fan favourite.
After leaving EastEnders, she co-starred with then-partner Joe Swash in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs pantomime in Bristol [citation:9].
Like Rhona Goskirk, Kara used her soap fame as a springboard for a diverse career in entertainment.
Strictly Come Dancing: Champion of 2010
In 2008, Kara won a special version of Strictly Come Dancing for the charity event Sport Relief, partnered with Mark Ramprakash [citation:5]. Two years later, she competed in the main show, series 8 of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev [citation:5].
They impressed the judges and the public all season and became the champions on 18 December 2010 [citation:5][citation:8]. Kara fought back tears as she said: “It’s just the most special thing that I’ve ever achieved” [citation:8].
Her Viennese Waltz prompted judge Craig Revel Horwood to say: “I would kill to be able to dance like that, I thought it was amazing.” He awarded her a 10 [citation:8].
Bruno Tonioli added: “You danced to a level that we hardly ever see here. Whatever happens, this was incredible” [citation:8].
Like Lewis Cope, Kara became a Strictly champion and used the show to launch new career opportunities.
Romance with Artem Chigvintsev
Kara and her Strictly partner Artem Chigvintsev became a romantic couple soon after winning the show. Presenter Tess Daly famously told the audience that Artem had promised to take Kara on a “date” [citation:8].
However, the couple later split. Kara confirmed in 2014: “We are not together. We’re fine, but we aren’t a couple any more” [citation:3]. She added: “The reason I haven’t spoken about it is because I hate reading about myself in that way” [citation:3].
Before entering the competition, she had said she decided against having a TV romance, adding “you can’t help it if you meet someone amazing” [citation:3].
Kara Tointon Partner: Marius Jensen
Kara is now engaged to Norwegian businessman Marius Jensen [citation:7][citation:9]. The couple keeps their relationship relatively private but have been together for several years.
In November 2018, Kara gave birth to their first child, a boy named Frey [citation:7]. In January 2021, they welcomed their second son, Helly [citation:7]. Therefore, Kara is a proud mother of two boys.
Like Amanda Owen, Kara balances motherhood with a demanding career in the public eye.
West End Stage Career
After Strictly, Kara began acting in famous plays in London’s West End [citation:5]. In 2011, she played Eliza Doolittle in the West End revival of Pygmalion at the Garrick Theatre, alongside Rupert Everett [citation:1][citation:5].
She has also starred in acclaimed productions including Absent Friends and Relatively Speaking [citation:1][citation:5]. Her theatre work has earned her critical praise and demonstrated her range as a performer. As a result, she is highly respected in the theatrical community.
For more information about her stage work, visit WhatsOnStage official website.
Television Roles After EastEnders
Kara continued to appear on TV after her soap success. From 2015 to 2016, she played Rosalie Selfridge in the ITV drama series Mr Selfridge [citation:5][citation:9]. In 2015, she starred as Maria in the ITV live production of The Sound of Music Live [citation:1][citation:5].
In 2017, she appeared in the period drama The Halcyon [citation:5][citation:9]. More recently, she has starred in dramas including The Teacher [citation:2].
Kara Tointon Net Worth
Kara Tointon net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $5 million [citation:2][citation:6][citation:10]. Her wealth comes from her extensive career in television, film, and theatre, as well as brand endorsements and public appearances.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Kara has invested in real estate [citation:2]. She maintains a private lifestyle, often sharing glimpses of her life with her two children on social media [citation:2].
Public interest in celebrity earnings remains high. Stories such as Kaleb Cooper Net Worth show how audiences follow the financial journeys of television personalities.
Dyslexia Advocacy and Charity Work
In 2010, Kara made a documentary for BBC Three called Kara Tointon: Don’t Call Me Stupid [citation:5]. In the show, she talked about her experiences with dyslexia and how it affects people’s lives. She wanted to show how different ways of learning can help [citation:5].
In 2014, she ran the Great North Run to raise money for a charity that helps very sick children and teenagers [citation:5].
In May 2025, Kara shared that she had preventative surgery after discovering she carries the BRCA gene, which can increase the risk of certain types of cancer [citation:5]. Her mother had passed away from cancer in 2019, which led Kara and her family to get tested. By having the surgery, she lowered her own risk [citation:5].
Like Annabel Croft, Kara has faced personal health challenges with courage and honesty.
Upcoming Projects: The Hunger Games
It has been announced that Kara will play Willamae, the mother of Haymitch Abernathy, in Sunrise on the Reaping [citation:5]. This is the next movie in The Hunger Games series. Therefore, Kara is set to reach a global audience with this major film role.
Conclusion
Kara Tointon has built an impressive and diverse career over two decades. From EastEnders to Strictly Come Dancing, from the West End stage to Hollywood films, she has proven her talent time and again. Therefore, she remains one of Britain’s most beloved actresses.
With her honesty about dyslexia and health challenges, her dedication to her family, and her continued success on screen and stage, Kara Tointon is an inspiration to many. Consequently, her star will continue to shine brightly.
FAQs
How old is Kara Tointon?
She was born on August 5, 1983, and is 42 years old.
What is Kara Tointon net worth?
Estimated between $2 million and $5 million.
Who is Kara Tointon engaged to?
She is engaged to Norwegian businessman Marius Jensen.
Does Kara Tointon have children?
Yes, two sons: Frey (born 2018) and Helly (born 2021).
What soap was Kara Tointon in?
She played Dawn Swann in EastEnders from 2005 to 2009.
Did Kara Tointon win Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, she won series 8 in 2010 with professional partner Artem Chigvintsev.
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