Elisabeth Dermot Walsh (born 15 September 1974) is an English actress, known for her role as Zara Carmichael in the BBC soap opera Doctors. In 2015, she won the award for Best Female Acting Performance at the RTS Midlands Awards for her portrayal of Zara.

Early life

Born in Merton on 15 September 1974, Walsh is the daughter of Irish actor Dermot Walsh and English actress Elisabeth Madeleine Annear. She has a sister, Olivia, and, from her father's previous marriages, a half-sister, Sally, and a half-brother, Michael. Walsh was educated at West Heath School in Sevenoaks, Kent. She then studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Before pursuing a career in acting, Walsh worked as an intern for an American senator in Washington DC when she was 17.

Career

Walsh made her television debut in the 1998 television film Falling for a Dancer. She has also made appearances in television series such as Love in a Cold Climate, Unfinished Business, Midsomer Murders, Love Soup and Holby City. She also played the lead role of Elinor Carlisle in the 2003 ITV adaptation of Agatha Christie's Sad Cypress. In June 2009, she joined the regular cast of the BBC drama Doctors, in the role of Zara Carmichael. In an interview with OK! Magazine, Walsh talked about her character, saying: "I think it would be fair to call Zara a bit of a handful! She's quite the volatile personality, and I grabbed the character with both hands. She’s been a bit of a home-wrecker in the past, but I like her; even when you’re playing a baddie, you have to play a baddie like you’re playing a heroine. She behaves appallingly. I don’t think I’d particularly want her as a friend, but she’d be a great fun ride if you’re with Zara!". She said of Zara, ' Zara loves to power dress: heels and suits. She is a great character to play." For her portrayal of Zara, Walsh won the award for Best Female Acting Performance at the 2015 RTS Midlands Awards. Walsh has expressed interest in writing episodes of Doctors, and since 2014, she has directed nine episodes.

Personal life

Walsh lives in Birmingham with partner Dylan Charles. The pair had a son born in 2012, with a second child born in 2015. Walsh took maternity breaks from Doctors for each pregnancy, with her character's temporary exits being written into the series.

Filmography

Stage

Awards and nominations