The entertainment world is always on the lookout for bright young talents, and Matilda Freeman is one of those names that continues to rise. Best known for her portrayal of Summer Spellman on Coronation Street, Matilda has moved far beyond the cobbled streets of Weatherfield. Today, she is carving a diverse acting career, taking on new roles in drama, comedy, and even sci-fi.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into her journey — from her early years, breakthrough soap stardom, and her personal growth, to what makes Matilda Freeman now one of the most promising British actresses of her generation.
Early Life and Background
Matilda Freeman was born in 2004 in the village of Mickle Trafford, Cheshire, England. Growing up with a love for performing arts, she attended The Queen’s School, Chester, where she began balancing academics with her passion for acting.
Even as a child, Freeman gravitated toward storytelling, appearing in short films and television pilots before her teenage years. Her natural flair and emotional depth quickly made her stand out among her peers, paving the way for future opportunities.
Matilda Freeman’s Age and Early Career
At just 20 years old (as of 2024), Matilda Freeman has already achieved what many actors spend decades chasing. Her early credits include short films like The Chime of Youth, Strain, and Lifeline, where she honed her skills in portraying nuanced characters.
Her first recognized television appearance came with a guest role on Doctors, where she played Chantelle Briggs. This role, although brief, showcased her ability to embody complex emotions on screen. Soon after, she was cast in a TV pilot, Dropperz, further proving that this young actress was destined for bigger things.
Breakthrough as Summer on Coronation Street
The real turning point in Matilda Freeman’s career came in 2017 when she was cast as Summer Spellman on Coronation Street.
Why Summer Spellman Was a Groundbreaking Character
- Summer was introduced as the adoptive daughter of Todd Grimshaw and Billy Mayhew, marking the show’s first child adopted by a same-sex couple.
- Matilda Freeman’s sensitive and mature performance gave Summer depth, making her more than just another child character.
- Storylines often placed Summer at the center of socially relevant issues, including peer pressure, drugs, and identity struggles.
Over three years, Matilda Freeman Coronation Street appearances spanned more than 140 episodes. She became a household name, earning nominations for “Best Young Actor” at the Inside Soap Awards and the British Soap Awards.
Life After Coronation Street: Matilda Freeman Now
Leaving Coronation Street in 2020 was a bold move for Matilda Freeman. Many young actors find it difficult to break away from soap opera roles, but Freeman has proven herself adaptable.
Since stepping away, Matilda Freeman now has embraced a range of projects:
- Appeared in Alma’s Not Normal (2021), playing a young Lin Nuthall, a role that connected her to the story of generational struggles.
- Took part in the Amazon series The Power, a thrilling science-fiction drama exploring female empowerment.
- In 2024, she starred as Lilly Wells in the dark comedy-thriller Passenger, showing her growing range and maturity as an actress.
Her post-soap career reflects a deliberate focus on challenging, diverse roles that push her artistic boundaries.
Expanding Horizons: New Roles and Achievements
Beyond television, Matilda Freeman has also demonstrated talent in voice work and accent adaptation. According to her agency profiles, she can seamlessly switch between neutral British, Manchester, and Lancashire accents, making her a versatile performer.
She continues to explore projects that align with both mainstream and independent cinema, indicating a balanced career trajectory. With the right roles, Matilda Freeman could easily become one of the leading British actresses of the next decade.
Representation, Identity, and Public Voice
In June 2021, Matilda Freeman publicly came out as bisexual on her social media. Her openness and authenticity resonated with fans and positioned her as an advocate for inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
By sharing her truth at such a young age, Freeman demonstrated courage and maturity, showing that she isn’t afraid to use her platform for positive change.
Awards, Nominations, and Recognition
While still early in her career, Freeman’s work has not gone unnoticed:
- Inside Soap Awards Nomination – Best Young Actor
- British Soap Awards Nomination – Best Young Actor
These nominations during her Coronation Street tenure cemented her reputation as one of the standout young performers of her generation.
Why Matilda Freeman Stands Out
Several qualities make Matilda Freeman unique among rising British stars:
- Emotional Depth – Even in her teenage years, she carried emotionally heavy storylines with grace.
- Career Choices – She hasn’t been afraid to leave a secure soap role for uncertain but exciting new opportunities.
- Versatility – From soaps to comedies, thrillers, and sci-fi, Freeman adapts to diverse genres.
- Authenticity – Her honesty about her personal life builds a strong connection with audiences.
These attributes ensure her long-term growth in a competitive industry.
Conclusion
From a young actress in short films to a fan-favorite on Coronation Street and beyond, Matilda Freeman has charted an inspiring career path. Her decision to leave the comfort of soap stardom to explore new opportunities has proven wise, allowing her to showcase her talent across genres.
As of now, Freeman is more than just “Matilda Freeman Summer Coronation Street.” She is a fully fledged actress, a rising voice in British entertainment, and a role model for authenticity and ambition.
Her journey is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: the world will be seeing much more of Matilda Freeman in the years to come.
FAQs
Who is Matilda Freeman?
Matilda Freeman is a British actress best known for playing Summer Spellman in Coronation Street from 2017–2020.
What is Matilda Freeman’s age?
She was born in 2004, making her 20 years old in 2024.
What happened to Matilda Freeman on Coronation Street?
She left the show in 2020 after portraying Summer for three years to pursue new acting opportunities.
What is Matilda Freeman doing now?
She has taken on roles in Alma’s Not Normal, The Power, and the 2024 series Passenger.
Why is Matilda Freeman popular?
Her breakout role as Summer, combined with her versatile talent and authentic personality, has earned her recognition as one of Britain’s rising stars.`
