Zoë Tapper

Last updated on the 14 April 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born: 26 October 1981, Bromley, Greater London, England. 

Having a college president mother and a consultant father, Zoë Tapper had a natural inclination towards acting from a young age. Her passion for the craft was ignited at the age of 11, when she took on the role of a fairy in an amateur production of “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” It was during this time that her desire to pursue acting truly blossomed. Her family background further contributed to her love for the art, as her great-grandfather had been involved in running a travelling theatre company.

Zoë Tapper commenced her training at the prestigious Academy Drama School and later pursued her studies at the renowned Central School of Speech and Drama. In the spring of 2003, she successfully completed her education, securing her graduation just days before embarking on her inaugural film venture.

She gained widespread recognition for her standout performance as Ellen Love in the period drama television series “Mr Selfridge.” In this role, she portrays a seemingly frivolous and carefree woman who strategically utilises her beauty, talents, and intelligence to rise from her humble beginnings as a chorus girl to become a prominent figure in the world of variety and music halls.

Tapper has also showcased her talent on the London stage, notably starring alongside Joseph Fiennes in John Osborne’s play “Epitaph for George Dillon.” Additionally, her performance in the 2007 production of Shakespeare’s “Othello” at The Globe received high praise from The Guardian, describing her performance as “a Desdemona to die for.”

Zoë Tapper is married to fellow actor Oliver Dimsdale. The couple tied the knot in 2008 and have two children together. They currently reside in London. She has expressed her support for her children pursuing acting if they choose to.

Suggested viewing

Grace (2021)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3

In the TV drama “Grace”,  John Simm takes on the role of Roy Grace, a committed detective inspector whose life is overshadowed by the unresolved disappearance of his wife. While conducting intricate investigations in Brighton, he remains determined to uncover the truth behind her vanishing, confronting personal struggles and uncovering startling revelations that irrevocably change his world.

Top cast: John Simm, Richie Campbell, Rakie Ayola, Laura Elphinstone, Amaka Okafor, Brad Morrison, Matt Stokoe, Adrian Rawlins, Zoë Tapper (from season 2 onwards).

Mr Selfridge (2013)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.7

“Mr Selfridge” is a period drama based on the life of American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge. Set in early 20th century London, the series follows Selfridge’s journey as he establishes the iconic Selfridges department store, meeting personal and professional challenges while revolutionising the shopping experience for the British public.

Top cast: Jeremy Piven, Frances O’Connor, Aisling Loftus, Katherine Kelly, Grégory Fitoussi, Trystan Gravelle, Amanda Abbington, Tom Goodman-Hill, Kara Tointon, Zoë Tapper.

The Curse of Steptoe (2008)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.6

“The Curse of Steptoe” is a compelling British television drama that delves into the tumultuous lives of comedy duo Harry H. Corbett and Wilfrid Brambell. The story explores their complicated relationship, the challenges they faced on and off-screenand the enduring impact of their iconic characters from the sitcom “Steptoe and Son.”

Top cast: Jason Isaacs, Phil Davis, Sheila Hancock, Adam Godley, Brían F. O’Byrne, Rory Kinnear, Zoë Tapper, Lynda Baron.

The One (2021)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.6

“The One” is a science fiction TV series set in a world where a DNA test can identify an individual’s perfect soulmate. As the protagonist, Rebecca, uncovers a dark secret behind the technology, she becomes entangled in a web of love, betrayal and moral dilemmas that challenge the very nature of human relationships.

Top cast: Hannah Ware, Zoë Tapper, Dimitri Leonidas, Amir El-Masry, Stephen Campbell Moore, Diarmaid Murtagh, Lois Chimimba, Eric Kofi-Abrefa.

Liar (2017)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.1

In this suspenseful TV series, ‘Liar’, a teacher’s life is turned upside down when she accuses a renowned surgeon of rape. As the gripping drama unfolds, viewers are taken on a tense journey of conflicting narratives, moral dilemmas and shocking twists, leaving them questioning who is telling the truth.

Top cast: Joanne Froggatt, Ioan Gruffudd, Zoë Tapper, Warren Brown, Shelley Conn, Richie Campbell, Jamie Flatters, Danny Webb.

Desperate Romantics (2009)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

“Desperate Romantics” is a period drama that delves into the lives of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of rebellious artists in 19th century London. The series explores their passionate relationships, artistic struggles and the unconventional choices they make in pursuit of love, fame and creative expression.

Top cast: Aidan Turner, Rafe Spall, Samuel Barnett, Sam Crane, Tom Hollander, Zoe Tapper, Amy Manson, Jennie Jacques.

Survivors (2008)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

“Survivors” is a post-apocalyptic drama series that follows a group of survivors in the aftermath of a deadly virus that wipes out most of the world’s population. The show focuses on their struggles for survival, their search for loved ones and their attempts to rebuild a new society.

Top cast: Julie Graham, Max Beesley, Paterson Joseph, Zoë Tapper, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Shaun Dingwall, Chahak Patel, Freema Agyeman.

Full filmography @ Wikipedia