Mecia Simson

British actress and model (born 1989)

Mecia Simson
Simson at the 2022 Comic-Con Germany Stuttgart
Born	Mecia Simone Simson (1989-12-29) 29 December 1989 (age 34) Plymouth, England
Alma mater	Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
Years active	2009–present

Mecia Simone Simson (MEE-shə; born 29 December 1989) is an English actress and model. She won the fifth series of Britain's Next Top Model (2009). More recently, she is known for her role as Francesca Findabair in the Netflix series The Witcher (2021–).

Early life and education

Simson was born in Plymouth to an English mother and a Jamaican father. She attended Dunstone Primary School, Plymstock School, and City College Plymouth.^[1] After taking a year-long foundation course at the Central School of Speech and Drama in 2016, Simson went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting from the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in 2019.^[2]

Career

At the age of 19, Simson competed in and won the fifth series of the Sky Living reality television competition Britain's Next Top Model in 2009. Shortly after winning, she landed her first cover photoshoot for the magazine Company.^[3] She went on to have gigs with Stella McCartney, Max Factor,^[4] and Debenhams,^[5] and appear in the Olly Murs music video "Oh My Goodness". In 2014, Simson was a finalist on the Beverley Hills-filmed series Model Turned Superstar.^[6] She was previously signed with Milk London and Q New York,^[7] and is currently signed with Established Models.^[8]

After graduating from drama school, Simson made a guest appearance in an episode of the Peacock science fiction series Brave New World in 2020. The following year, Simson joined the main cast of the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher for its second season as the elven sorceress Francesca Findabair.^[9]^[10]^[11]

Personal life

Simson moved to London for her career and as of 2023, is based in Hornsey.^[12] She also regularly visits her family in Plymouth.^[13]

Filmography

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2009	Britain's Next Top Model	Herself – Winner	Series 5
2014	Model Turned Superstar	Herself – Finalist
2015	The Hunt	Laura	Miniseries
2015	He Who Has It All	Mel	Short film
2020	Brave New World	Alpha Woman One	Episode: "Firefall"
2021–present	The Witcher	Francesca Findabair	Main role (season 2–)
2022	My Sad, Angry Man	Dr Idida	Short film

Music video

"Oh My Goodness" (2011), Olly Murs

References

^ Elmes, Sarah (1 July 2023). "Netflix star Mecia Simson describes 'unbelievable' experience on set of The Witcher". Plymouth Herald. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
^ "Mecia Simson - Francesca Finabair". The Witcher TV. 17 December 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
^ "Britain's Next Top Model Mecia Simson makes cover debut". Evening Standard. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
^ "Max Factor Christmas Holiday 2010 (with model Mecia Simson)". Models. December 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
^ "Exclusive Interview with "The Witcher" star, Mecia Simson". Wonderland. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
^ "Mecia goes to Hollywood". PL Magazine: 6. 28 October 2014. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
^ Morgan, Georgia (14 January 2016). "Britain's Next Top Model 2016 is back tonight but where are the previous winners now?". Wales Online. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
^ "Mecia Simson". Established Models. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
^ Hadadi, Roxana (21 December 2021). "The Elves Just Can't Catch a Break". Vulture.
^ Olivia Emily (12 June 2023). "'The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever': Mecia Simson On The Witcher Season 3". Country & Town House. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
^ Vincent, Owen James (30 June 2023). "Mecia Simson". ReVamp. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
^ Magnus, Emma (2 June 2023). "Area guide to Hornsey: actor Mecia Simson on the charms of this lively, community-centred part of north London". Evening Standard. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
^ Elmes, Sarah (3 July 2023). "Plymouth vegan restaurant is Netflix star Mecia Simson's favourite place to eat". Plymouth Herald. Retrieved 16 October 2023.