Jenna Coleman was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, and began her acting career at an early age. She attended Arnold School, where she was head girl. While at school, Coleman was a member of the theatre company In Yer Space, with which she performed in the play Crystal Clear at the Edinburgh Festival. She won an award for her performance and the play was also received favorably. At age 11, she won a part in the play Summer Holiday through an open audition in her hometown. Coleman’s first professional role came in 2005 when she was auditioning for drama schools. She was chosen for a role in Emmerdale, playing the troublesome, murderous young woman Jasmine Thomas. Playing the role for three years exposed her to a large audience in the United Kingdom and brought her growing media attention. She received critical acclaim for her performance and was nominated for Most Popular Newcomer at the The National Television Awards. She was also nominated for several British Soap Awards. She later scored roles in BBC television productions, including the dramas Waterloo Road (playing another bothersome girl, Lindsay James), Room at the Top (based on the novel by John Braine), and, of course, Clara on Doctor Who!