Eva Pope was born on 16th November 1967 in Wigan. Disliking school, her favourite subject was drama and, after completing her education, she trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. Her first role upon graduation was in The Turn of the Screw at the Dundee Theatre. Her first major television role was as Tanya Pooley (initially spelt “Tania Pooley”) in Coronation Street, a part she played from May 1993 to September 1994 and which was dubbed by the press of the day as "Toxic Tanya". Despite several offers, she has never since returned to the role.
Since leaving the Street, Eva has carved out a successful role in all mediums, being well known for her regular parts as Claire Brightwell in Peak Practice, Frances Myers in Bad Girls and Rachel Mason in Waterloo Road. Other television appearances include Dream Team, Heartbeat, Life on Mars, Strictly Confidential and Hetty Feather. She played roles in the films Shadow Men, Splinter and Natasha and, on stage, has appeared in The Comedy of Errors, Turkey Time, Hobson’s Choice, Bridges and Harmonies, Bright and Bold Design and What You Get and What You Expect as well as numerous voice-over work for commercials, corporate videos and various television documentaries.
She has a daughter, Elise, born one year after leaving the Street, by former husband Laurence Lassalle.