Esther Smith is an English actress best known for her work in the television series Uncle, Cuckoo and Trying. She is also known for originating the role of Delphi Diggory in the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Early life Smith was raised in Stourbridge, West Midlands. Her parents are teachers, and she has a sister, Rachel. Smith began dancing when she was three and was active in her local pantomime company. She studied ballet and contemporary dance at King Edward VI College in Stourbridge, where she began acting, before moving to the Guildford School of Acting at the urging of a teacher.
Career Shortly after leaving drama school, Smith rose to prominence in 2010 for her role as Trish in Material Girl. She has since had guest appearances on Skins and The Midnight Beast.
In 2014, she replaced Tamla Kari as Rachel for the second series of Cuckoo on BBC Three. She also starred in the ITV2 comedy Cockroaches and had a recurring role on another BBC Three sitcom, Uncle, as Melodie.
In April 2015, Smith starred in Channel 4 show Ballot Monkeys, as assistant to the Liberal Democrats candidate. In February 2016, she appeared in Siblings as Holly, an old flame of Dan's from Circus School.
She was part of the original cast of Harry Potter play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, portraying Delphi Diggory. In October 2017 she appeared in Parliament Square as Kat at the Royal Exchange, Manchester.
In May 2020, Smith began appearing in Apple TV+ original Trying in the lead role of Nikki. Season 5 premiered in July 2026.
Personal life Smith is in a relationship with her Trying co-star Rafe Spall, with whom she has a child, born in 2024.
Filmography Television Year Title Role Notes 2010 Material Girl Trish Main role 2013 Skins Emma 2 episodes 2013 Holby City Roxanne Gregson Episode: "All at Sea" 2014–2017 Uncle Melodie 10 episodes 2014 The Midnight Beast Ronnie 4 episodes 2014 The Smoke Mother 1 episode 2014–2019 Cuckoo Rachel Main role (27 episodes); replaced Tamla Kari 2014 Black Mirror Madge Episode: "White Christmas" 2015 Cockroaches Suze 2015 Ballot Monkeys Charlotte Guthrie2016 Zapped Gwendolyn Episode: "Barrel"2016 Siblings Holly Episode: "Baby Sack" 2019 Defending the Guilty Hannah 1 Episode 2020–present Trying Nikki Newman Main role 2021 Dodo Mom Mrs Connoly 11 Episodes2026 The Reluctant Vampire Susan 6 episodes
Film Year Title Role Notes2015 Funny Valentines: Elephant (Nick Helm) "Her" Short film (BBC iPlayer) 2017 New Year Alice Short film 2017 Confection Ms. Kripps Short film 2018 F*ck Sarah Short film
Theatre credits Year Title Role Theatre Notes 2009 The Author Esther Royal Court Theatre 2010 Romeo and Juliet Juliet Capulet Mosaica @ The Chocolate Factory 2010The AuthorEsther North Wall Arts Centre Northern Stage Warwick Arts Centre Birmingham Repertory Theatre Royal Exchange Limbs (Present Tense) Woman Nabokov Theatre 2011 Many Moons Juniper Jessops Theatre503 Carrot Michelle Theatre503 When it Falls Gillian Soho Theatre 2012The Honey ManMisty Guildhall Theatre Terry O'Toole Theatre Kirkgate Centre 2012 NSFW Charlotte Royal Court Theatre 2016–2017 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Delphi Diggory Palace Theatre 2017–2018Parliament SquareKat Royal Exchange Bush Theatre
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