Jo Martin

Biography

Jo Martin is an English actress and writer known for her work in film and television. She was born on April 29, 1969, in Newham, London, England. She began acting professionally in the 1980s and has built a career spanning television, film, and theatre.

Early Career

Martin appeared in several British television productions early in her career, including Birds of a Feather, The Brittas Empire, The Bill, Doctors, and The Murder of Stephen Lawrence. She gained wider recognition as Natalie Crouch in the BBC sitcom The Crouches (2003–2005).

Film Career

Her film credits include For Queen & Country (1988), Batman Begins (2005), 4.3.2.1 (2010), Chalet Girl (2011), Blue Story (2019), and 97 Minutes (2023). In 97 Minutes, she played Toyin, an NSA official involved in the crisis surrounding the hijacked aircraft.

Doctor Who

Martin became internationally recognized when she appeared in the Doctor Who episode “Fugitive of the Judoon” (2020). Initially introduced as Ruth Clayton, she was revealed to be another incarnation of the Doctor, later known as the Fugitive Doctor. Her portrayal marked a significant moment in the show's history.

She subsequently returned as the Fugitive Doctor in The Timeless Children, Doctor Who: Flux, and the 2022 special The Power of the Doctor. She also returned in 2025 in The Story & the Engine. In 2026, she continued the character's story through Doctor Who: Circuit Breaker.

Television Work

Martin has also appeared in Holby City, where she played consultant neurosurgeon Max McGerry, as well as Back to Life, Fleabag, The Long Song, Dreaming Whilst Black, and The Marlow Murder Club.