Back in 2005, Jenna Coleman—then known by her full name, Jenna-Louise Coleman—was weighing the idea of attending drama school when she caught a major break that would change everything. Out of the blue, she landed a role in Emmerdale (ITV, 1972–), one of the UK’s most popular and long-running soap operas. Stepping into the shoes of Jasmine Thomas, a bold and fiery character, Jenna quickly became a standout favorite among fans. Her performance earned her serious recognition: a nomination for Best Newcomer at the British Soap Awards in 2006 and another nod for Most Popular Newcomer at the National Television Awards in 2007.
Jenna stayed with Emmerdale for nearly four years, exiting the show in dramatic fashion—her character was sent to prison after killing a corrupt police officer, wrapping up her arc with a storyline that kept viewers hooked. And just like that, life had other plans for Jenna Coleman. She never did make it to drama school because opportunities kept coming her way. In 2009, she was quickly cast as student Lindsay James in the BBC school drama Waterloo Road (2006–), proving once again she could bring depth and authenticity to her roles.
Around the same time, she filmed the BBC’s adaptation of John Braine’s novel Room at the Top in 2010—though due to legal issues over rights, it didn’t air until 2012. Still, Jenna Coleman was building momentum fast. Following her high-profile debut on Emmerdale, she made the leap to the big screen with a major role in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), a blockbuster superhero film that introduced her to an international audience.
With her star rising, it wasn’t surprising that Jenna Coleman was tapped for Julian Fellowes’ next big project after the massive success of Downton Abbey. She joined the cast of the ITV miniseries Titanic (2012), a gripping dramatization of the legendary ocean liner’s tragic fate. But while these roles were impressive, it was her involvement in Doctor Who (BBC, 1963–1989, 2005–) that truly catapulted her into the spotlight.
In 2012, the BBC announced Jenna Coleman would be joining the series as the Doctor’s new companion—the Doctor then portrayed by Matt Smith. She made her first appearance in the episode “Asylum of the Daleks,” but left audiences stunned when her character seemingly died by the end. Later that year, during the Christmas special “The Snowmen,” she returned as Clara Oswald—only to meet yet another untimely end. This mysterious cycle of appearances and disappearances baffled both fans and the Doctor himself, who famously dubbed her “the impossible girl.” Jenna Coleman’s role became central to one of the show’s most enigmatic arcs.
Beyond Doctor Who, Jenna continued to take on diverse and challenging projects. She starred in Stephen Poliakoff’s Golden Globe-winning period drama Dancing on the Edge (BBC/Starz, 2013), sharing the screen with heavyweights like Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matthew Goode, and John Goodman. That same year, she appeared in the lavish BBC adaptation of P.D. James’ Death Comes to Pemberley, blending classic literature with suspenseful storytelling.
One of the unique aspects of Doctor Who is the concept of regeneration—while actors may come and go, the Doctor lives on. So when Matt Smith departed in 2013, Jenna Coleman remained, transitioning seamlessly into the role of companion for the newly regenerated Doctor, played by Scottish actor Peter Capaldi. Her presence brought continuity and emotional depth to the series during a pivotal transition.
Then, in September 2015, at the start of the show’s ninth season, Jenna Coleman announced she would be leaving Doctor Who. It marked the end of an era, but also solidified her legacy as one of the show’s most memorable companions. Through talent, timing, and a bit of luck, Jenna Coleman had gone from a young actress considering drama school to a household name across the UK and beyond.
When it comes to Jenna Coleman’s filmography, fans and critics alike have noticed a bit of a range in ratings. Jenna Coleman’s highest rated movie is Klokkenluider (2022), which really showcased her depth as an actress and earned strong praise across the board. On the other hand, Jenna Coleman’s lowest rated film so far has been Me Before You (2016), a movie that, while popular with some audiences, didn’t quite resonate as well with reviewers. Still, it’s interesting to see how Jenna Coleman continues to take on diverse roles, proving her versatility despite the ups and downs in critical reception. Whether it’s a powerful performance in Klokkenluider or a heartfelt turn in Me Before You, Jenna Coleman consistently brings something unique to each project she’s part of.