Bella Maclean: The Rising British Actress Behind Rivals’ Taggie O’Hara

Bella Maclean has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in British television, thanks to her breakout role in Disney+’s hit series Rivals. From a New York childhood to the West End stage and now major screen credits, her journey is a compelling one. Here’s everything worth knowing about the actress.

Who Is Bella Maclean?

Bella Maclean, born Arabella Georgina Lucy Maclean, is a British actress known for her work across theatre, film, and television. Born in 1997 or 1998 in New York City to British parents, she spent her early years in the United States before her family returned to England, eventually settling in East Sussex when she was 10 years old.

Quick Facts

• Full name: Arabella Georgina Lucy Maclean
• Born: 1997 or 1998, New York City
• Nationality: British-American
• Education: Guildhall School of Music and Drama
• Years active: 2018–present
• Known for: Rivals, Sex Education, theatre work

Early Life and Background

Bella Maclean’s early life spanned two countries, shaping the dual British-American identity she’s often described with in media coverage.

• Born in New York City while her parents were there for work
• Has older twin sisters
• Moved to East Sussex, England, at age 10
• Grew up immersed in a household that eventually supported her creative pursuits

Training at Guildhall

Maclean pursued formal acting training at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, graduating in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting. Guildhall is known for producing some of Britain’s most respected stage and screen performers, giving Maclean a strong theatrical foundation before she moved into television.

Bella Maclean’s Theatre Career

Long before international audiences knew her name, Bella Maclean was building a reputation in London’s theatre scene.

Stage Debut

Maclean made her professional stage debut playing Martha in the 2021 London revival of Spring Awakening at the Almeida Theatre. Her performance earned early praise, with one theatre critic specifically highlighting her as a standout in the production. The timing was notable too — she landed the role partway through her final year at Guildhall, just as the world was adjusting to pandemic disruptions.

This performance later led to a nomination at The Stage Debut Awards in 2022, an early sign of the recognition to come.

Return to the Stage

In 2024, Maclean returned to theatre, taking on the role of Bella Wilfer in the National Theatre’s production of London Tide, a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend. This role reinforced her range beyond television, showing her continued commitment to stage work even as her screen career accelerated.

Bella Maclean’s Television Breakthrough

While theatre built her foundation, television is where Bella Maclean gained widespread recognition.

Sex Education

Maclean appeared in the fourth and final season of Netflix’s globally popular series Sex Education, introducing her to a much larger streaming audience ahead of her biggest role yet.

Rivals: Her Breakout Role

In 2024, Bella Maclean landed her breakout role as Agatha “Taggie” O’Hara in Disney+’s adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel Rivals. The show became a major hit, praised for its sharp writing and ensemble cast.

Key details about her character:

• Taggie is the overlooked middle daughter of Declan and Maud O’Hara
• Her storyline includes navigating dyslexia while pursuing a passion for cooking
• Her on-screen chemistry with co-star Alex Hassell, playing Rupert Campbell-Black, was widely praised by critics as “engagingly complex”

The role’s success led to Maclean being named a 2025 Screen International Star of Tomorrow, a recognition given to rising talents expected to have long-term impact in the industry.

Bella Maclean: Career Snapshot

Why Bella Maclean Is Getting So Much Attention

A few factors explain why Bella Maclean has become such a frequently searched name:

• Rivals was one of the most talked-about British series of its release year
• Her character’s emotional depth resonated strongly with viewers
• Her theatre pedigree adds credibility often noted by entertainment critics
• She represents a new generation of British actors gaining international visibility through streaming platforms

What’s Next for Bella Maclean

With Rivals renewed for further seasons and reportedly involving lengthy production shoots, Maclean’s schedule has remained packed. Her continued presence in both television and theatre suggests a career built on range rather than a single defining role, something industry watchers frequently point to as a sign of longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Bella Maclean? Bella Maclean is a British actress known for playing Taggie O’Hara in Disney+’s Rivals and for her role in Sex Education.

2. Where was Bella Maclean born? She was born in New York City to British parents before her family relocated to East Sussex, England, when she was 10.

3. What is Bella Maclean’s most famous role? Her breakout role is Taggie O’Hara in the Disney+ series Rivals, based on Jilly Cooper’s novel.

4. Did Bella Maclean study acting formally? Yes. She trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating with a BA in Acting in 2020.

5. Has Bella Maclean done theatre work? Yes. She made her stage debut in Spring Awakening at the Almeida Theatre and later starred in London Tide at the National Theatre.

Conclusion

Bella Maclean’s rise from a Guildhall graduate to a celebrated theatre performer and now a breakout television star reflects a career built on genuine range and consistent recognition. With Rivals propelling her into the spotlight and a Screen International Star of Tomorrow title reinforcing her potential, Bella Maclean looks set to remain a name audiences will keep watching for years to come.