Stuart Martin

Stuart Martin (born 8 January 1986 in Ayr, Scotland) is a Scottish actor whose career has spanned both comedy‑drama and historical television series, earning him a reputation for nuanced performances and a steady presence on the British screen. He grew up in Ayr, a coastal town that nurtured his early interest in the performing arts, and later honed his craft at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he studied drama and developed a solid foundation in classical and contemporary techniques. Graduating with distinction, Martin entered the professional world in 2009, immersing himself in a variety of stage productions before breaking into television, where his blend of charisma and intensity quickly caught the attention of casting directors. His first significant television role came as Tony in Channel 4’s critically acclaimed comedy‑drama Babylon (2014), a performance that showcased his ability to balance humor with dramatic weight, setting the tone for a series of prominent roles in period pieces. From 2016 onward, Martin demonstrated his versatility by portraying Lorenzo de' Medici in Medici: Masters of Florence, a richly textured historical drama that demanded a command of period speech and complex political nuance. He continued this trajectory with the role of Silas Sharrow in the colony‑era series Jamestown (2017‑2019), delivering a compelling mix of rugged resolve and emotional depth. Perhaps his most recognizable recent work is as Detective Inspector William Wellington in Miss Scarlet and The Duke (2020‑2024), where his steady, detective‑type demeanor helped anchor the show’s blend of mystery and Regency‑era charm across four seasons. Off‑screen, Martin met fellow actress Lisa McGrillis at a National Theatre Christmas party, and the couple married in 2015; they share two children. Balancing a demanding filming schedule with family life, Martin remains an active figure in British television, respected for his commitment to diverse roles and his ongoing contributions to the craft of acting.