Who Is Claudia Jessie? The British Actress Behind Eloise Bridgerton
Claudia Jessie is a British actress born on October 30, 1989, in Moseley, Birmingham, England. Here are the key facts at a glance:
- Full name: Claudia Jessie Peyton
- Born: October 30, 1989, Moseley, Birmingham, England
- Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m)
- Known for: Eloise Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton (2020-present)
- Other major roles: DC Jodie Taylor in Line of Duty, Amelia Sedley in Vanity Fair, Polly Miller in Bali 2002, Maggie Mahon in Toxic Town
- Total acting credits: 46 titles across film, TV, and web series
- Personal: Vegan, Nichiren Buddhist, Extinction Rebellion member, no social media presence
She grew up on a canal boat in London before returning to Birmingham in her early 20s. Her path to stardom was anything but conventional – she was homeschooled from age 14, and her family faced serious financial hardship while her mother cleaned houses to fund her ballet lessons.
Today, Claudia is one of British television’s most recognizable faces, having appeared in 26 episodes of Bridgerton and earning two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations alongside her cast.
Early Life and Unconventional Background of Claudia Jessie
At R. Couri Hay, we love a story of resilience and authentic talent, and few modern stars embody this better than claudia jessie. Born in the Moseley area of Birmingham on October 30, 1989, Claudia’s upbringing was a far cry from the Regency-era ballrooms she now inhabits on screen.
Her childhood was defined by a nomadic and often challenging lifestyle. She spent a significant portion of her youth living on a canal boat (a barge) in London and later on a council estate. These early experiences provided her with a grounded perspective that she carries into her work today. Life wasn’t always easy; her family faced significant financial struggles, including dealing with bailiffs.
Despite these hardships, Claudia’s mother was a pillar of support. To ensure her daughter could pursue her passion for ballet, her mother worked tirelessly cleaning houses to pay for lessons. This dedication allowed Claudia to develop the discipline and grace that would eventually serve her acting career.
Education for Claudia was also non-traditional. She was homeschooled from the age of 14, a choice that allowed her to navigate her own path away from the traditional school system. It was during this time that she was discovered by student director Hannah Phillips, who cast her in amateur productions. This discovery was the spark that ignited her professional journey. As she noted in a recent interview, Claudia Jessie: ‘I did all the things an actor shouldn’t’, emphasizing her unique route into the industry compared to many of her peers who attended prestigious drama schools.
Career Milestones: From WPC 56 to Bridgerton Stardom
Claudia’s professional debut came in 2012 with the short film Rosie. From that moment, we have watched her work continuously, building a resume that spans diverse genres and formats. Before she became a household name, she was a staple of British television, often appearing in guest roles that showcased her versatility.
One of her first major breaks was in the CBBC online series Dixi, where she played Shari for a staggering 100 episodes between 2014 and 2016. This role earned her a BAFTA Kids’ Award and established her as a reliable and charismatic lead.
In 2015, she took on the lead role of WPC Annie Taylor in the third series of the 1950s police drama WPC 56. This was a pivotal moment, as it required her to carry a series and proved she could handle period-specific dialogue and settings with ease. Shortly after, she joined the cast of the critically acclaimed Line of Duty as DC Jodie Taylor, further cementing her status in the UK television industry.
The Rise of Claudia Jessie in British Television
Claudia’s rise was steady and earned. She didn’t just appear in shows; she made them memorable. Her recurring role in the long-running soap Doctors allowed her to hone her craft over 12 episodes, while her appearance in the film Their Finest (2016) showed she could hold her own on the big screen alongside industry veterans.
One of the trademarks that casting directors and fans alike frequently mention is her “clear, warm voice.” This vocal quality, combined with her expressive acting, led to a significant role in the 2018 ITV adaptation of Vanity Fair. Playing Amelia Sedley, she brought a sense of vulnerability and kindness to the character that contrasted beautifully with the more cynical elements of the story.
| Show Title | Role | Episodes | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dixi | Shari | 100 | 2014-2016 |
| WPC 56 | WPC Annie Taylor | 5 | 2015 |
| Line of Duty | DC Jodie Taylor | 6 | 2017 |
| Vanity Fair | Amelia Sedley | 7 | 2018 |
| Bridgerton | Eloise Bridgerton | 26+ | 2020-Present |
| Toxic Town | Maggie Mahon | 4 | 2025 |
Global Breakout as Eloise Bridgerton
While she was already a respected actress in the UK, it was the 2020 premiere of Bridgerton on Netflix that launched claudia jessie into global superstardom. As Eloise Bridgerton, the fifth child and second daughter of the Bridgerton family, she portrays a character who is fiercely intelligent, rebellious, and deeply skeptical of the marriage market.
Eloise has become a feminist icon for many viewers. Her evolution across the seasons—from her obsession with unmasking Lady Whistledown to her complicated friendship with Penelope Featherington—has been a highlight of the show. We have seen her struggle with the expectations of her class while seeking a life of the mind and autonomy.
In recent discussions about the show’s massive success, Claudia offered a charming take on why people are so drawn to it. In the article Claudia Jessie: ‘What’s the appeal of Bridgerton? It’s a sexy cuddle’, she captured the essence of the show’s warmth and escapism, which has resonated with millions of fans in New York, London, and beyond.
Filmography, Awards, and Recent Projects
Claudia’s career continues to expand into exciting new territories. Beyond the ton of Mayfair, she has taken on gritty, real-life roles that demonstrate her range. In the miniseries Bali 2002, she portrayed real-life survivor Polly Miller, a performance that earned her a nomination for the prestigious Logie Award for Most Outstanding Actress in 2023.
Her recent project Toxic Town (2025) sees her starring alongside Jodie Whittaker and Aimee Lou Wood in a dramatization of the Corby toxic waste case. This move toward socially conscious drama aligns perfectly with her personal values. Furthermore, it was recently announced that she will star in the Channel 4 drama Up To No Good, playing a suspicious detective investigating a character played by the legendary Glenn Close.
In addition to her screen work, Claudia has become a sought-after voice for audio projects. She has narrated several titles for Audible, including romance novels and thrillers, utilizing that “clear warm voice” to great effect.
Her accolades include:
- Screen Actors Guild Awards: Nominated twice (2021 and 2025) for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for Bridgerton.
- Logie Awards: Nominated (2023) for Most Outstanding Actress for Bali 2002.
We also can’t forget her recent collaboration with Pandora for their Bridgerton collection. True to her activist roots, Claudia reportedly requested details on the brand’s eco-footprint before signing on, praising their commitment to using 100% recycled silver and gold.
Personal Life, Activism, and Unique Trivia
What makes claudia jessie truly stand out in celebrity is her commitment to living a quiet, intentional life. Unlike many of her co-stars, she has no social media presence, preferring to live “at a low simmer.” She currently resides in her home city of Birmingham, shunning the glitz of Hollywood for the comfort of her roots.
Claudia is a dedicated practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism, a practice she began at age 17 to help manage her mental health. She meditates daily and credits her faith with helping her navigate the pressures of the acting industry. She is also a committed vegan and a member of Extinction Rebellion, frequently using her platform to speak out about climate change and social justice.
Some unique facts about Claudia include:
- Height: She stands at 5’6″ (1.68 m).
- The Barge Life: She actually grew up on a canal boat, which is a far cry from the mansions of Bridgerton.
- Relationships: She is in a long-term relationship with Cole Edwards, whom she met during her audition for Bridgerton (he was part of the casting team).
- Corset Aversion: After her time on Vanity Fair, she famously stated she never wanted to wear a corset again—ironic, considering her subsequent role as Eloise!
Frequently Asked Questions about Claudia Jessie
How did Claudia Jessie start her acting career?
Claudia’s career began in the Birmingham amateur theater scene. She was discovered by a student director, Hannah Phillips, and eventually found an agent in her early 20s. Her first professional role was in the 2012 short film Rosie, and she has worked steadily in television since then, building her reputation through series like Doctors and Dixi.
What is Claudia Jessie’s role in Bridgerton Season 4?
In Bridgerton Season 4, Claudia returns as Eloise Bridgerton. Following the dramatic shifts in her friendship with Penelope and her siblings’ marriages, Eloise finds herself “on the shelf” by choice. However, her mother, Violet, reportedly has a plan involving her younger sister Hyacinth to nudge Eloise back into the social fold. Fans can also expect to see her acting as a “buddy” and confidante to her brother Benedict as he navigates his own romantic journey.
What are some unique facts about Claudia Jessie?
Beyond her unconventional upbringing on a barge, Claudia is a member of Soka Gakkai (Nichiren Buddhism). She is known for her activism with Extinction Rebellion and her refusal to use social media. She also has a very close bond with her mother, whom she credits for her success, and she famously met her partner, Cole Edwards, while he was working in the casting department for the very show that made her a global star.
Conclusion
As we look toward the future, claudia jessie shows no signs of slowing down. With Bridgerton confirmed through at least Season 6 and high-profile projects like Up To No Good on the horizon, she is firmly established as one of the most talented and principled actresses of her generation. Whether she is playing a rebellious debutante or a suspicious detective, she brings an authenticity that is rare in the industry.
For those of us at R. Couri Hay, following the careers of such dynamic individuals is a passion. We invite you to stay tuned for More celebrity gossip and luxury lifestyle news as we continue to cover the stars who define our culture today. From the streets of London to the red carpets of Paris and New York, Claudia Jessie is a name we will be celebrating for years to come.