Fans of Netflix's smash hit Bridgerton will know Polly Walker as the fierce and colourful matriarch Lady Portia Featherington.

The Regency romance is set to return to our screens very soon with the focus shifting to the eldest Bridgerton brother Anthony and some exciting new faces.

However, you might also recognise the Warrington actor from other major shows and productions over the years.

Here's everything you need to know about the Bridgerton star ahead of the period drama's return.

Warrington Guardian: Polly Walker as Lady Portia Featherington, Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington in episode 204 of Bridgerton. Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022Polly Walker as Lady Portia Featherington, Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington in episode 204 of Bridgerton. Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022

Who is Polly Walker?

Polly Walker was born on 9 May 1966 in Warrington, making the actor 55 years old. 

Walker went to Padgate Church of England Primary School in Warrington and then went on to Bush Davies School of Ballet and Performing Arts in East Grinstead.

She joined Ballet Rambert School at 16 but left her dancing career behind at 18 after sustaining a leg injury. 

Afterwards, she turned her attention to acting, going to the Drama Centre in London and the Royal Shakespeare Company before she made the move to TV. 

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Who does Polly Walker play in Bridgerton?

Polly Walker plays the ambitious and determined Lady Portia Featherington. 

Perhaps, the most ambitious mama in the Ton, Lady Portia isn't known for her subtlety when it comes to picking out her dresses or finding matches for her daughters.

Series one sees Lady Featherington navigate the social season with her girls as her gambling husband tries to scare off any potential suitor since he can't afford their dowries. 

If that drama was not enough, Lady Portia has to take in the daughter of her husband's friend Marina Thompson (surprise, surprise he owes him money) who is pregnant and unwed.

The Featherington matriarch attempts to find Marina a husband before the news breaks in the Ton's infamous gossip column penned by the anonymous Lady Whistledown.
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What else has Polly Walker starred in?

If you've been sleeping on Bridgerton, there is no shortage of big shows that you might have spotted Polly Walker. 

She has starred in various films including the likes of Enchanted April (1991), The Gambler (1997), and Savage Messiah (2002). 

Walker also received a Golden Globe Award nomination for her performance in the drama series Rome (2005–2007).

More recently, you will have seen her in the popular BBC One dramas Prisoners’ Wives (2012–2013) as well as Gill Biggeloe in Line of Duty (2016, 2019) and Peggy Sykes in Pennyworth (2019-2021).

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Is Polly Walker on social media?

You'll be glad to hear that Polly Walker is in fact on social media which is perfect for some scrolling to tide you over until the new series drops.

You can follow the actor on Instagram on the handle @officialpollywalker, this is where she teases behind-the-scenes snaps of the show and her other projects.

Bridgerton series two will be available to stream on Netflix from March 25, 2022.