Kara Tointon is a British actress known for her character Dawn Swann in the long running BBC soap opera, EastEnders. She began her career in the entertainment business at the age of 7, by appearing in commercials for products such as McDonalds. She later on appeared on stage in a pantomime show for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She also made her first acting job with a bit role in EastEnders.

In 2004, Kara Tointon began a more professional acting career by appearing in Mile High. In December of that year, she reprised her Dream Team role as Gina Moliano, which ran until May 2005. After Dream Team, Kara Tointon joined the cast of EastEnders this time in a more substantial role as Dawn Swann. She auditioned for the role in EastEnders at the same time as Tiana Benjamin, Kellie Shirley, Matt DiAngelo and Charlie Clements. They too were accepted for the roles they auditioned for.

Apart from being active on television, Kara Tointon also made appearances on movies such as The Football Factory and Just My Luck.

Since she is also an established dancer, Kara Tointon competed in the reality dance competition Strictly Come Dancing, and won in the show’s final round. She teamed up with former Strictly Come Dancing champion, Mark Ramprakash.

It has been announced that Kara Tointon will be leaving EastEnders on summer of 2009 together with Ricky Groves due to end of her contract.