Jemma Carlton – A Rising Star in the Entertainment Industry

It’s not every day you see someone new in the industry who just gets it. But Jemma Carlton? She’s one of those rare talents who seems to slide into each role like it was written for her. You’ve probably seen her pop up in A Thousand Blows (2024), The Cleaner (2021), or the upcoming Lockerbie: A Search for Truth (2025). And if you haven’t yet—well, trust me, you will. She’s got that spark. Backed by the powerhouse agency Hamilton Hodell, it feels like only a matter of time before she’s a household name.

Early Life And Education

Okay, so here’s the thing—we don’t know a ton about Jemma Carlton’s early years. Not much has been made public. But that kind of adds to her mystique, right? What we do know is that she’s trained in drama and poured herself into the craft through countless stage productions. That’s not just luck; that’s hustle.

She started making moves with roles in plays like Dead Lies and Shut Up and Drive. Those gigs might not have made national headlines, but they were stepping stones. Big ones. You can tell she cut her teeth in theatre, and that stage discipline shows up on screen now.

Jemma Carlton’s TV Work – And Why It Matters

A Thousand Blows (2024)

This one’s a gritty historical drama—seriously intense. Produced by Carnival Films and Sky TV, the show already had people buzzing before it even aired. But what really caught folks off guard was Jemma Carlton’s performance. She brought this emotional authenticity that made her character feel lived-in, not just acted. Her work here? Subtle, powerful, and totally grounded.

Maxine (2022)

Now here’s where things get real. Maxine dives deep into some tough subject matter. Based on the real-life Soham murders, it’s heavy. And Jemma Carlton, playing Maxine Carr, took on the challenge headfirst. A role like that isn’t easy—it could’ve easily slipped into villain territory. But nope, she gave it layers. Complexity. Humanity, even when it felt uncomfortable. Honestly? It was kind of a turning point for her.

The Cleaner (2021)

Switching gears a bit—The Cleaner is a comedy-drama with some seriously weird moments. Think dry wit meets low-key emotional chaos. Jemma Carlton’s character added this unexpected depth to the show. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re feeling something you didn’t expect. That’s her gift—making you care, even when you don’t think you will.

The Role That Changed The Game: Maxine

Let’s not beat around the bush—Jemma Carlton’s portrayal in Maxine was a big deal. Huge. She played Maxine Carr, the fiancée of Ian Huntley, and the performance was… well, it was haunting in all the right ways. She didn’t just act. She explored her acting skills. She dug in.

It would’ve been easy to deliver a one-note, cold portrayal. But instead, she showed the emotional knots of a woman caught in an unthinkable situation. Critics noticed. Viewers talked. And it opened up real conversations about empathy, judgment, and trauma. Jemma? She was the heart of that conversation.

Festival Spotlight: Edinburgh TV Festival 2025

In July 2025, Jemma Carlton showed up at the Edinburgh TV Festival—and she didn’t just show up, she showed out. She joined a panel about women in true crime dramas, and honestly, her insights were sharp. Thoughtful. Real.

She talked about the responsibility of playing real people, especially in stories with such emotional weight. People listened. Fans, peers, even the jaded critics—they all had something positive to say. It was another notch in her growing reputation for being not just talented, but also deeply thoughtful.

What’s Next: Lockerbie: A Search For Truth (2025)

Her latest project, Lockerbie: Only The Truth Will Do, is already generating serious buzz. The show tackles the 1988 Lockerbie bombing and its aftermath—a topic that’s still raw for many. And Jemma’s involvement? It says a lot about where her career’s heading.

This isn’t just another gig. It’s a heavy role in a heavy story. But based on her past performances, there’s a good chance she’ll knock it out of the park again. She’s drawn to truth, to complexity—and that’s what this project demands.

Back To The Stage

Before the cameras, before the festival panels, Jemma Carlton was a theatre kid. And that’s still part of her DNA. She held her own in productions like Dead Lies and Shut Up and Drive. Intimate spaces. Live reactions. No retakes. It taught her timing, presence, instinct.

What’s cool is how she’s taken those theatre muscles and used them on screen. The switch from stage to TV isn’t always easy, but she made it look seamless. Like, blink and you’d think she’s been doing both forever.

Jemma Carlton Social Media—She Keeps It Real

On Instagram, she’s @jemmacarlton—nothing flashy, just honest glimpses into her world. Right now, she’s sitting at 3,997 followers and 55 posts. Not exactly influencer territory, but that’s kind of refreshing, isn’t it?

She shares behind-the-scenes moments, bits from her day-to-day, and reflections that feel personal, not polished. It’s not about hype; it’s about connection.

The Team Behind The Scenes: Hamilton Hodell

Being with Hamilton Hodell definitely helps. They’re one of those agencies with real clout. Her agent, Lola Boothby, has done a solid job landing roles that fit Jemma Carlton—stuff that stretches her but still aligns with her voice.

Having a good team matters. Especially in an industry that can be… well, let’s just say “demanding” is putting it mildly. This partnership gives her the support to take creative risks without burning out.

More Than An Actress: Entrepreneurial Moves

Did you know she has her own company? Yep—Jemma Carlton Ltd, registered in the UK. Details are scarce, but still, it’s a smart move. Whether it’s for managing projects, producing, or who knows what else, it shows she’s thinking long-term. She’s building a career and a brand, all while establishing herself as an actress.

Final Thoughts

Jemma Carlton’s not just riding the wave—she’s making her own. In a short span, she’s moved from stage plays to major television dramas, all while staying grounded and intentional about her work.

She’s talented, obviously. But it’s more than that. She’s curious. She’s bold. And she’s the kind of actress who makes you lean in and feel something—whether it’s on screen or in person. So yeah, keep an eye on her. Because she’s only getting started.