Jenna-Louise Coleman has won over the hearts of many a Doctor Who fan with her portrayal of his latest sidekick Clara, but in real life she claims she's not so good at charming people.
The 27-year-old has admitted that she's happy in a group, but as soon as she's threatened with a one-on-one situation she's much less at ease.
Because Jenna doesn't like "the idea of just being sat with one person", she has "never been on a date, ever."
Despite her aversion to dates, Jenna has found herself a Hollywood boyfriend - Game Of Thrones star Richard Madden.
Jenna-Louise puts her shyness down to moving to a large private school when she was 14.
She told the Radio Times: "I think it was going from eight people in a tiny, tiny school to being surrounded by loads of people. I shrank away, surrounded myself with quite loud friends.
© BBC Pictures
"I’ve got a lot better as I’ve got older. If I’m with a group of people I’m okay, but actually I’m quite a nervous person if I’m just one-to-one with somebody."
She also explained how acting was a good way to get past her shyness since she's not expected to be herself.
But Jenna admitted that Clara is her most difficult role to date.
She said: "Clara is probably the closest to me that I’ve ever played - especially over the last few years - and I find that hard. Doing an accent is much easier."
Despite all this, she's adamant that her awkwardness is not as debilitating as she may make it sound.
She said: "I’m making myself sound socially inept here and I’m absolutely fine in a group of people but I am quite shy."
The brunette beauty is also preparing herself for the ever-increasing fame she is experiencing as Doctor Who continues to please its legions of fans.
She said: 'I have a really cool job and get to do these crazy things and you do have so many ‘pinch me’ moments.
Matt Smith - the current Timelord - has given the Blackpool-born actress advice on her next steps.
She revealed: "He said take your time and choose your next role carefully. I've read loads of scripts but nothing I'm really in love with."
© BBC Pictures
