Gemma Whelan is best known from Game of Thrones
TV

Gemma Whelan stars in ITV’s new crime drama The Tower

She's played some very varied roles

Gemma Whelan appears in new ITV crime drama The Tower – a highlight of the ITV autumn schedules.

But where have you seen the actress before?

How old is she and is she married?

Here’s everything you need to know about Gemma Whelan.

Gemma Whelan in ITV's The Tower
The Tower stars Gemma Whelan as DS Sarah Collins (Credit: ITV)

Read more: 5 top new dramas coming this autumn you will not want to miss

Who plays DS Sarah Collins in The Tower?

Gemma Whelan plays DS Sarah Collins in The Tower.

She stars in the lead role in ITV’s three-part series, adapted by Homeland writer and executive producer Patrick Harbinson.

The thriller is based on Post Mortem, the first in Kate London’s Metropolitan series of novels.

Gemma’s character investigates the deaths of a police officer and a teenage girl after they fall from a tower block in south London.

A five-year-old boy and rookie cop Lizzie are both found unharmed on top of the tower block.

But within hours Lizzie disappears…

DS Collins must track down Lizzie before she comes to serious harm and also uncover the truth behind why two people died and two survived.

What else has The Tower star Gemma Whelan starred in?

Gemma has been a professional actress since 2005.

She also performed as a stand up comedian, taking a show up to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2013.

She won the Funny Women Variety Award in 2010.

Gemma has also had roles in Ben Elton sitcom Upstart Crow alongside David Mitchell, as well as Horrible Histories.

She has also performed alongside Suranne Jones in Gentleman Jack and as long-suffering Geraldine Martens in Killing Eve.

Other telly appearances include stand-out roles in White House Farm, Inside No.9 and The Moorside – where she played Shannon Matthews.

Of course, Gemma’s most famous role is arguably that of badass Yara Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.

Gemma Whelan, Suranne Jones and Gemma Jones in Gentleman Jack
Gemma Whelan, Suranne Jones and Gemma Jones in Gentleman Jack (Credit: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Matt Squire)

Who did Gemma Whelan play in Game of Thrones?

Gemma’s breakthrough TV role came in 2011 when she was cast in HBO fantasy epic Game of Thrones.

She played Yara Greyjoy, a warrior who defied gender stereotypes.

Yara was also the commander of the Black Wind, her own ship.

Gemma appeared in 16 episodes of the long-running series, becoming internationally famous.

How old is Gemma Whelan and where is she from?

Gemma Elizabeth Whelan was born on April 23 1981.

She is currently 40 years of age.

Gemma was born in Leeds, raised in the Midlands and studied acting at the London Studio Centre.

Gemma Whelan as Karen Matthews in Moorside
Gemma Whelan as Karen Matthews in The Moorside (Credit: ITV)

Read more: The Tower on ITV: Start date and cast details

Is The Tower star Gemma Whelan married?

Gemma is married to comedian and actor Gerry Howell.

They have two children.

The family currently live in London.

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The Tower starts on Monday November 8 2021 at 9pm on ITV1.

Do you recognise The Tower star Gemma Whelan? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.


Robert Leigh
Freelance writer