Jenna Coleman became a household name when she was cast in the coveted role of the new Doctor Who companion but, to all intents and purposes, she was technically already one. A household name, that is, as the actress first rose to public prominence 10 years ago for her critically lauded portrayal of wannabe journalist Jasmine Thomas in the long running ITV soap Emmerdale. Landing a recurring part in one of Britain's most watched soaps is brilliant exposure for any young actor and it wasn't long (OK, so it was four years...) until Jenna secured another gritty mainstream role when she made the seamless transition from soap star to school girl - becoming self confessed 'hard girl' Lindsey James - in BBCs then popular Waterloo Road. Both of these characters ended up in jail but it doesn't look like Jenna's current televisual alter ego, Miss Clara Oswald, will be following suit any time soon. Unless you can be arrested for being one of the most badass Doctor Who companions of all time, that is. Jenna has now gained a legion of dedicated followers for her ongoing liaisons in the TARDIS (and guess what? She'll be back with a vengeance in Series 9 - hurrah!), but how much do you really know about everybody's favourite impossible girl? Check out our 10 things you didn't know about Jenna Coleman and you'll soon find out!
Dan Butler is the Doctor Who Editor at WhatCulture.com. When he isn't writing his own articles or editing other people's, he can be found trawling the internet for gifs of Steven Moffat laughing. Contact him via dan.butler@whatculture.co.uk.
