Eve Myles (born 26 July 1978) is a Welsh actress. She is best known for her television roles portraying Ceri Lewis in the long-running
BBC Wales
BBC Cymru Wales is a division of the BBC and the main public broadcasting, public broadcaster in Wales.
It is one of the four BBC national regions, alongside the BBC English Regions, BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Scotland. Established in 1964, ...
drama series ''
Belonging'' (2000–2009),
Gwen Cooper in the
BBC science-fiction
Science fiction (sometimes shortened to Sci-Fi or SF) is a genre of speculative fiction which typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel unive ...
series ''
Torchwood
''Torchwood'' is a British science fiction television programme created by Russell T Davies. A spin-off of the 2005 revival of ''Doctor Who'', it aired from 2006 to 2011. The show shifted its broadcast channel each series to reflect its growin ...
'' (2006–2011) and Faith Howells in the bilingually produced
BBC /
S4C
S4C (, ''Sianel Pedwar Cymru'', meaning ''Channel Four Wales'') is a Welsh language free-to-air public broadcast television channel. Launched on 1 November 1982, it was the first television channel to be aimed specifically at a Welsh-speaking ...
drama series
''Keeping Faith'' / ''Un Bore Mercher'' (2017–2020). She is also an accomplished theatre actress.
Myles graduated from the
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in 2000. Later that year, she began playing Ceri Lewis in the
BBC Wales
BBC Cymru Wales is a division of the BBC and the main public broadcasting, public broadcaster in Wales.
It is one of the four BBC national regions, alongside the BBC English Regions, BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Scotland. Established in 1964, ...
-produced drama series ''
Belonging'', a role she was to continue with until the end of the series in 2009. Her early UK-wide television credits included the 2001 miniseries ''
Tales from Pleasure Beach'' and the 2003 television drama ''
Colditz
Colditz () is a small town in the district of Leipzig, in Saxony, Germany. It is best known for Colditz Castle, the site of the Oflag IV-C POW camp for officers in World War II.
Geography
Colditz is situated in the Leipzig Bay, southeast of th ...
''.
In 2005, she auditioned for a part in the revived series of ''
Doctor Who
''Doctor Who'' is a British science fiction television series broadcast by the BBC since 1963. The series depicts the adventures of a Time Lord called the Doctor, an extraterrestrial being who appears to be human. The Doctor explores the ...
'', and landed the role of servant girl Gwyneth, in the
series 1 episode "
The Unquiet Dead", alongside
Billie Piper and
Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Eccleston (; born 16 February 1964) is an English actor. A two-time BAFTA Award nominee, he is best known for his television and film work, which includes his role as the ninth incarnation of the Doctor in the BBC sci-fi series '' ...
. Her appearance in ''Doctor Who'' led to her winning a lead role in the science-fiction drama's spin-off series ''Torchwood'', in which she portrayed the character Gwen Cooper for four series between 2006 and 2011. Her role in ''Torchwood'' earned her a
Bafta Cymru
BAFTA Cymru (or BAFTA in Wales or WAFTA) is the Welsh branch of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and was founded in 1987. award for Best Actress in 2007.
Myles's subsequent television credits include the 2008 miniseries ''
Little Dorrit'', the 2008 premiere episode of the fantasy drama ''
Merlin
Merlin ( cy, Myrddin, kw, Marzhin, br, Merzhin) is a mythical figure prominently featured in the legend of King Arthur and best known as a mage, with several other main roles. His usual depiction, based on an amalgamation of historic and leg ...
'' and the title role in the 2013 drama series ''
Frankie''.
In 2013, for the TV channel
GOLD
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from la, aurum) and atomic number 79. This makes it one of the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally. It is a bright, slightly orange-yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile ...
, she appeared alongside
Anthony Head in the comedy-drama ''You, Me & Them'', in a role she reprised in 2015 for the second series. In 2014, she was cast in the second series of the crime drama series ''
Broadchurch
''Broadchurch'' is a British crime drama television series broadcast on ITV for three series between 2013 and 2017. It was created by Chris Chibnall, who acted as an executive producer and wrote all 24 episodes and produced by Kudos in asso ...
'', portraying Claire Ripley. In 2011, she voiced one of the main characters in the video game ''
Dragon Age II''. In 2016, she once again played a
Victorian servant, this time Mrs. Jenkins in the
ITV period drama series ''
Victoria''; she did not reprise the role for series 2.
Myles is an accomplished theatre actress, winning an
Ian Charleson Award
The Ian Charleson Awards are theatrical awards that reward the best classical stage performances in Britain by actors under age 30. The awards are named in memory of the renowned British actor Ian Charleson, and are run by the ''Sunday Times'' ne ...
in 2004 for her performances in
Royal Shakespeare Company
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is a major British theatre company, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. The company employs over 1,000 staff and produces around 20 productions a year. The RSC plays regularly in London, St ...
productions of the plays ''
Titus Andronicus
''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
'' and ''
The Taming of the Shrew
''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunk ...
''. Further theatre credits include both ''
Henry IV, Part 1
''Henry IV, Part 1'' (often written as ''1 Henry IV'') is a history play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written no later than 1597. The play dramatises part of the reign of King Henry IV of England, beginning with the battle at ...
'' and ''
Henry IV, Part 2'' at the
National Theatre in 2004, and the role of Emma in the first UK run of
Zach Braff
Zachary Israel Braff['Scrubs' Star Zach Braff Wows ...](_blank)
's play ''
All New People'' in 2012.
Early life
Myles was born on 26 July 1978 in
Ystradgynlais.
Her father is Scottish.
She attended Ysgol Maes Y Dderwen, where she learned only basic
Welsh
Welsh may refer to:
Related to Wales
* Welsh, referring or related to Wales
* Welsh language, a Brittonic Celtic language spoken in Wales
* Welsh people
People
* Welsh (surname)
* Sometimes used as a synonym for the ancient Britons (Celtic peopl ...
phrases.
She grew up with a strong interest in
boxing
Boxing (also known as "Western boxing" or "pugilism") is a combat sport in which two people, usually wearing protective gloves and other protective equipment such as hand wraps and mouthguards, throw punches at each other for a predetermined ...
, although she gave up the sport after breaking her knuckle by punching a wet sandbag.
In 2000, Myles gained a
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of arts (BA or AB; from the Latin ', ', or ') is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate program in the arts, or, in some cases, other disciplines. A Bachelor of Arts degree course is generally completed in three or four yea ...
in acting at the
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in
Cardiff
Cardiff (; cy, Caerdydd ) is the capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of Wales. It forms a Principal areas of Wales, principal area, officially known as the City and County of Cardiff ( cy, Dinas a ...
. Then she moved to
London
London is the capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary dow ...
.
Career
In 2000 Myles took on the central role of Ceri Owen (née Lewis) in the
BBC Wales
BBC Cymru Wales is a division of the BBC and the main public broadcasting, public broadcaster in Wales.
It is one of the four BBC national regions, alongside the BBC English Regions, BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Scotland. Established in 1964, ...
drama ''Belonging.'' Her longest role to date, Myles played Ceri from the series' first episode through to its final series in 2008, returning for a one-off special in 2009.
[ In 2001, Myles undertook a role in the television film ''Score'' and the TV miniseries '' Tales from Pleasure Beach.'' From 2003, Myles based herself in ]Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon (), commonly known as just Stratford, is a market town and civil parish in the Stratford-on-Avon district, in the county of Warwickshire, in the West Midlands region of England. It is situated on the River Avon, north-we ...
, playing Lavinia
In Roman mythology, Lavinia ( ; ) is the daughter of Latinus and Amata, and the last wife of Aeneas.
Creation
It has been proposed that the character was in part intended to represent Servilia Isaurica, Emperor Augustus's first fiancée.
Sto ...
in the Royal Shakespeare Company
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is a major British theatre company, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. The company employs over 1,000 staff and produces around 20 productions a year. The RSC plays regularly in London, St ...
production of ''Titus Andronicus
''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
'' and Bianca in ''The Taming of The Shrew''', for both of which she received the ''Sunday Times'' Ian Charleson award
The Ian Charleson Awards are theatrical awards that reward the best classical stage performances in Britain by actors under age 30. The awards are named in memory of the renowned British actor Ian Charleson, and are run by the ''Sunday Times'' ne ...
in 2004. In 2005, appeared opposite Michael Gambon
Sir Michael John Gambon (; born 19 October 1940) is an Irish-English actor. Regarded as one of Ireland and Britain's most distinguished actors, he is known for his work on stage and screen. Gambon started his acting career with Laurence Olivi ...
in '' Henry IV, Part I'' and '' II'' at the National Theatre.[ She took the part of Gwenfar in the BBC Radio Four series of plays "Arthur" by Sebastian Baczkiewicz and Steve May in November 2004. Myles appeared in the ITV drama '']Colditz
Colditz () is a small town in the district of Leipzig, in Saxony, Germany. It is best known for Colditz Castle, the site of the Oflag IV-C POW camp for officers in World War II.
Geography
Colditz is situated in the Leipzig Bay, southeast of th ...
'' in 2005.
She took a supporting role in the ''Doctor Who
''Doctor Who'' is a British science fiction television series broadcast by the BBC since 1963. The series depicts the adventures of a Time Lord called the Doctor, an extraterrestrial being who appears to be human. The Doctor explores the ...
'' episode " The Unquiet Dead", playing servant girl Gwyneth. This brought her to the attention of lead writer Russell T Davies, who went on to create and produce ''Torchwood
''Torchwood'' is a British science fiction television programme created by Russell T Davies. A spin-off of the 2005 revival of ''Doctor Who'', it aired from 2006 to 2011. The show shifted its broadcast channel each series to reflect its growin ...
''. Considering her to be "one of Wales' best-kept secrets", Davies wrote the role of Gwen Cooper in ''Torchwood'' specifically for Myles. Speaking on her casting, Myles stated that having the part written for her was like having her "own personal Oscar." Gwen, an audience surrogate character, is characterised by Myles as Torchwood's "social worker", who "can run and fight and stand in her own corner and win." Her role in ''Torchwood'' also led to Myles making a second appearance in ''Doctor Who'', for its Fourth series' finale, alongside ''Torchwood'' co-stars John Barrowman
John Scot Barrowman (born 11 March 1967) is a Scottish-American actor, author, presenter, singer and comic book writer. He is known for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in ''Doctor Who'' and '' Torchwood'', and as Malcolm Merlyn in the Arrowv ...
and Gareth David-Lloyd. Myles appeared in every episode of ''Torchwood''.
Myles also appeared in the first episode of ''Merlin
Merlin ( cy, Myrddin, kw, Marzhin, br, Merzhin) is a mythical figure prominently featured in the legend of King Arthur and best known as a mage, with several other main roles. His usual depiction, based on an amalgamation of historic and leg ...
'', " The Dragon's Call", where she played Lady Helen of Mora and Mary Collins, a witch who impersonated her. Her performance in this role was described positively by Anthony Head, who said that "she did it dead straight and very scarily. There was one moment she was delivering a speech to me in full prosthetic make-up... The French background artists didn't speak English but burst into applause at the end because they were moved by the emotion of it."
She portrayed the character of Maggy Plornish in Andrew Davies' 2008 adaptation of '' Little Dorrit'', which later went on to win seven Emmy awards. Early 2008 also saw the actress host a radio show centred around Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe[ and narrate a short story, ''Sorry for the Loss'' by Bridget Keehan, both airing on BBC Radio Wales.
2009 saw her star in the award-winning independent Welsh film '' A Bit of Tom Jones'', as well as the one-off drama ''Framed'' for BBC Wales, alongside Trevor Eve. In July 2010, Myles announced she would appear in an original BBC Cymru Wales TV series, '' Baker Boys'', co-written by Helen Raynor and Gary Owen and airing in early 2011.] 2011 also saw Myles provide the voice of the Dalish elf Merrill in the Bioware video game '' Dragon Age II''. In July 2011, to coincide with ''Torchwood''s fourth series Myles presented part of a BBC Wales
BBC Cymru Wales is a division of the BBC and the main public broadcasting, public broadcaster in Wales.
It is one of the four BBC national regions, alongside the BBC English Regions, BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Scotland. Established in 1964, ...
Documentary entitled ''Wales and Hollywood'', which featured the actress travelling to the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a historic landmark which consists of more than 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, Calif ...
to find the Welsh talent honoured there.
In 2012 Myles returned to the stage in Zach Braff
Zachary Israel Braff['Scrubs' Star Zach Braff Wows ...](_blank)
's play '' All New People'', which ran for ten consecutive weeks at the West End's Duke of York's Theatre following runs at the Manchester Opera House (8–11 February 2012) and the King's Theatre in Glasgow (14–18 February). In 2013 she took the title role in the BBC1 drama '' Frankie'', filmed in Bristol, which follows the life of a district nurse who cares more about her patients than her own life.
In August 2016, Myles starred alongside Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes and Rufus Sewell in the ITV drama '' Victoria'', which follows the early life of Queen Victoria
Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria; 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death in 1901. Her reign of 63 years and 216 days was longer than that of any previ ...
from her ascension to the throne at the age of 18, through to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert. She portrayed Mrs Jenkins, the Queen's personal dresser.
In 2017, Myles starred alongside her real life husband Bradley Freegard
Bradley Freegard is a Welsh actor from Pontypridd, Wales.
Early life
Freegard was born 13 December, 1976 in Pontypridd, Wales. He studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Career
Freegard plays the regular role of Steffan Jones in t ...
in the Welsh drama ''Un Bore Mercher'' for S4C
S4C (, ''Sianel Pedwar Cymru'', meaning ''Channel Four Wales'') is a Welsh language free-to-air public broadcast television channel. Launched on 1 November 1982, it was the first television channel to be aimed specifically at a Welsh-speaking ...
. She learnt to speak Welsh for the role. ''Un Bore Mercher'' was also filmed in English and aired the following year on BBC One as '' Keeping Faith''. Myles played Faith Howells, a solicitor whose husband Evan, with whom she works at their family-run law firm, disappears whilst she is on maternity leave following the birth of their third child. The show was a runaway success for the BBC and the second series was broadcast 2019 on S4C in May–June and on BBC One in July–August.
In 2018, Myles played the role of Norman Scott's lover Gwen Parry-Jones in the BBC drama '' A Very English Scandal''. The drama relates the real-life story of politician Jeremy Thorpe's affair with Scott and subsequent trial for attempted murder, based on the novel of the same name by John Preston.
Awards and recognition
Myles was among many others nominated for Wales online Dafftas' best actress and won for her role a
Frankie
with almost 45% of the votes. Myles was nominated for and won Wales' sexiest woman in 2013.
Myles has been nominated for a total of six BAFTA Cymru
BAFTA Cymru (or BAFTA in Wales or WAFTA) is the Welsh branch of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and was founded in 1987. awards, winning one. In 2002, 2003, and 2009, Myles was nominated for Best Actress in the BAFTA Cymru
BAFTA Cymru (or BAFTA in Wales or WAFTA) is the Welsh branch of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and was founded in 1987. Awards for her role as Ceri on the BBC Wales
BBC Cymru Wales is a division of the BBC and the main public broadcasting, public broadcaster in Wales.
It is one of the four BBC national regions, alongside the BBC English Regions, BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Scotland. Established in 1964, ...
drama ''Belonging''.
In 2007, Myles won the BAFTA Cymru Best Actress award for her portrayal of Gwen Cooper in ''Torchwood''s first series, a role she also received Best Actress BAFTA Cymru nominations for in 2008 and 2010. In 2010, Myles won the Best Actress award in the '' SFX'' Reader's awards poll, and was crowned best actress in the 11th annual Airlock Alpha Portal Awards. For her role as Gwen Cooper in '' Torchwood: Miracle Day'', Myles was nominated for a Satellite Awards
The Satellite Awards are annual awards given by the International Press Academy that are commonly noted in entertainment industry journals and blogs. The awards were originally known as the Golden Satellite Awards. The award ceremonies take place ...
in the Best Television Actress category. and reached the shortlist for the 2012 UK National Television Awards
The National Television Awards (often shortened to NTAs) is a British television awards ceremony, broadcast by the ITV network and initiated in 1995. The National Television Awards are the most prominent ceremony for which the results are vot ...
.
In 2006, '' Wales on Sunday'' named Myles as its "Bachelorette of the Year". Myles also regularly ranks highly in the '' Western Mail''s annual list of the 50 sexiest women in Wales. In 2005, the ''Western Mail'' ranked Myles seventh whilst she ranked fifth in 2008, 7th in 2009, 8th in 2010 and 10th in 2011.
In June 2010, Myles was honoured with a fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.
Personal life
Myles met Bradley Freegard
Bradley Freegard is a Welsh actor from Pontypridd, Wales.
Early life
Freegard was born 13 December, 1976 in Pontypridd, Wales. He studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Career
Freegard plays the regular role of Steffan Jones in t ...
at the National Youth Theatre in 1994, and they married in Italy on 18 May 2013. Myles and Freegard have three daughters, born in 2009, 2014, and 2021. After learning Welsh for '' Keeping Faith'' with the assistance of her husband, she now speaks conversational Welsh with her daughters.
Filming ''Torchwood
''Torchwood'' is a British science fiction television programme created by Russell T Davies. A spin-off of the 2005 revival of ''Doctor Who'', it aired from 2006 to 2011. The show shifted its broadcast channel each series to reflect its growin ...
''s fourth series in 2011 saw Myles relocate with her family to America's Hollywood Hills
The Hollywood Hills are a residential neighborhood in the central region of Los Angeles, California.
Geography
The Hollywood Hills straddle the Cahuenga Pass within the Santa Monica Mountains.
The neighborhood touches Studio City, Un ...
, living "literally underneath the Hollywood sign
The Hollywood Sign is an American landmark and cultural icon overlooking Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Originally the Hollywoodland Sign, it is situated on Mount Lee, in the Beachwood Canyon area of the Santa Monica Mountains. Spelli ...
". Myles has described California
California is a state in the Western United States, located along the Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the most populous U.S. state and the 3rd largest by area. It is also the m ...
as the "land of dreams", and her experience filming the fourth series of ''Torchwood'' in Hollywood as the best year of her life, adding that she would love to spend more time there as an actress if possible.
Filmography
Film
Television
Radio and audio dramas
Stage
Audiobook narrator
Video games
References
External links
*
*
*
Bio of Myles at BBC Wales
{{DEFAULTSORT:Myles, Eve
1978 births
Living people
20th-century Welsh actresses
21st-century Welsh actresses
People from Powys
Alumni of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Royal Shakespeare Company members
British Shakespearean actresses
Welsh voice actresses
Welsh radio actresses
Welsh stage actresses
Welsh television actresses
Welsh soap opera actresses
Welsh radio presenters
Welsh television presenters
Welsh film actresses
Welsh video game actresses
Welsh expatriates in the United States
Audiobook narrators
National Youth Theatre members
Welsh Shakespearean actors
Welsh-speaking actors
Welsh women radio presenters
Welsh people of Scottish descent