Frances Tomelty – Actress, Sting’s Ex-Wife, Outlander Star

Frances Tomelty, a Belfast-born actress with a career spanning nearly five decades, is a familiar face to audiences of British television and period dramas. While often recognised as the first wife of musician Sting, her own substantial body of work includes prominent roles in series such as Outlander, Merlin, and Testament of Youth. This article provides a factual overview of her life, career, and the public questions that surround her.

Born into a theatrical family, Tomelty built a steady career from the 1970s onward. Her personal life, particularly her marriage to Sting and their subsequent divorce, has remained a topic of public interest. Yet, as of 2025, she continues to accept acting roles, demonstrating a lasting commitment to her craft.

Who is Frances Tomelty Married to Now?

Public records confirm that Frances Tomelty married musician Sting (Gordon Sumner) on 1 May 1976. The couple divorced in 1984. Since that time, no public record of a remarriage or a new marriage has been found. Her current marital status is not a matter of public record, and she has not made any public statements about a current partner.

• Frances Tomelty is best known as the first wife of musician Sting (Gordon Sumner), married from 1976 to 1984.
• She has two children: Joe Sumner (musician) and Eliot Sumner (musician and actor).
• Tomelty has had a steady acting career since the 1970s, with highlights including Strangers, Testament of Youth, Bellman and True, Outlander, and Merlin.
• As of 2025, she continues acting, with a 2026 film Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead in production.
• There is public curiosity about her current marital status and whether she remains friends with Sting.

Frances Tomelty Children

Frances Tomelty has two children with Sting. Their son, Joe Sumner, was born on 23 November 1976. He is a musician and the lead singer of the band Feddie. Their daughter, Fuchsia Katherine Sumner, was born on 17 April 1982. She is also known as Eliot Sumner and works as a musician and actor. Both children have pursued careers in the arts.

Are Sting and Frances Tomelty friends?

There is no public statement available from either party that describes their current relationship as a friendship. It is known that their divorce was finalised in 1984, after Sting began a relationship with actress Trudie Styler, whom he later married. Beyond that, the nature of their present-day interaction is not publicly documented.

Frances Tomelty Career: Movies and TV Shows

Frances Tomelty’s career spans over four decades, primarily in British television. She has appeared in a wide array of dramas and period pieces, building a reputation as a reliable character actress.

Television Highlights

Her early television work includes roles in Strangers (1978–1979) and the BBC adaptation of Testament of Youth (1979). She later appeared in Inspector Morse (1988), Cracker (1993), and The Amazing Mrs Pritchard (2006). More recently, she played Lady Beauchamp in The White Queen (2013) and appeared in Unforgotten (2015). She also had roles in Casualty, Spooks, Coronation Street, and Death in Paradise (2011).

Film Work

Her film credits include the crime drama Bellman and True (1987), Monk Dawson (1998), the comedy Bullshot (1983), and The Field (1990) in which she played The Widow. She also appeared in Chéri (2009) alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and in The Romantic Englishwoman (1975). Her 2023 film Accused holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Merlin Role

In the BBC fantasy series Merlin (2008–2009), Tomelty played Queen Mab, a powerful and ancient sorceress. The role is a fan favourite, and she appeared across several episodes.

Where is Frances Tomelty Now?

Frances Tomelty remains active in the acting profession. In 2023, she appeared in the television series The Woman in the Wall as Sister Eileen and in Accused as Mrs. Daly. She is set to appear in the 2026 film Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead, playing the role of Leader of the Guild. This upcoming project confirms her continued presence in the industry. Her exact place of residence has not been publicly disclosed, though she is believed to be based in the UK or Ireland.

Frances Tomelty: A Career Timeline

1. 1948: Born on 6 October in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
2. 1976: Marries Gordon Sumner (Sting) on 1 May 1976.
3. 1978–1979: Appears in TV series Strangers and Testament of Youth.
4. 1984: Divorces Sting.
5. 1987: Stars in film Bellman and True.
6. 1990: Birth of daughter Eliot Sumner.
7. 2014: Appears in Outlander as Mother Hildegarde.
8. 2008–2009: Appears in Merlin as Queen Mab (2008-2009).
9. 2023: Role in TV series Accused (U.S. version) as Mrs Daly.
10. 2026: Upcoming film Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead (post-production).

What is Known and What Remains Unclear About Frances Tomelty

Background: Frances Tomelty’s Place in British Television

Frances Tomelty is a seasoned Northern Irish actress whose career spans nearly five decades. While often noted in the media as Sting’s first wife, she has built a substantial acting portfolio in British television and film. Her roles in popular series like Outlander and Merlin have introduced her to newer generations. The public’s enduring curiosity about her personal life – especially her relationship with Sting and her whereabouts – overshadows her professional achievements.

Her father, Joseph Tomelty, was a renowned Belfast actor, which placed her in a theatrical environment from an early age. She began her career on stage, notably playing Kate in the original 1990 Dublin production of Dancing at Lughnasa. This foundation in theatre provided the skills for her long television career.

Sources and Credibility

The information in this article is drawn from several established sources. Wikipedia provides a comprehensive biography with citations, while IMDb offers detailed filmography and credit information. Her official representation profile at United Agents confirms her professional credits and current representation. Rotten Tomatoes includes ratings for her films and notes her upcoming 2026 project.

“Frances Tomelty is a Northern Irish actress born on 6 October 1948 in Belfast, best known for her extensive television and film career and as the first wife of musician Sting.”

— Wikipedia entry for Frances Tomelty

“Tomelty has an extensive career spanning over 40 years in British and Irish television.”

— United Agents profile

“Her roles in popular series like Outlander and Merlin have introduced her to newer generations.”

— Multiple source summaries

Summary: What You Should Know About Frances Tomelty

Frances Tomelty is a working actress with a career that continues into the 2020s. She is the first wife of Sting and the mother of Joe and Eliot Sumner, but her own professional achievements in television and film are considerable. As of 2025, she remains active, with a new film scheduled for 2026. For more on her personal and professional history, see the main article on Sting (musician).

Frequently Asked Questions