Zara Phythian

Zara Phythian is an English former actress, stuntwoman, and martial artist, who gained recognition for her roles in films such as *Doctor Strange* (2016), *Morgan* (2016), and *Cannibals and Carpet Fitters* (2017). Starting her martial arts journey at the age of seven with Shotokan Karate, she later transitioned to Tae Kwon Do. In 2006, Phythian achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first British martial artist inducted into the International Karate & Kickboxing Hall of Fame (IKKHoF).

In 2015, she married Victor Marke, a producer, director, and martial arts instructor, who is over 20 years her senior. The pair initially met when Marke was her martial arts coach. However, their lives took a dark turn in May 2022, when both were convicted of multiple sex offenses against minors. Phythian was found guilty of sexually abusing a girl from the ages of 13 to 15 between 2005 and 2008 while they both served as martial arts instructors. She received an eight-year prison sentence, while Marke was sentenced to 14 years for his involvement in the abuse of the same victim, as well as an additional charge of indecent assault against another girl.