Dropped out of school at 13.

Her performance as a mute in Woody Allen's Sweet and Lowdown (1999) earned her an Oscar nomination for 2000 Academy Awards.

Born in a Nottingham council estate.

Has eight siblings.

Turned down the role of Lisa in Girl, Interrupted (1999).

Parents split up when the actress was three. The children stayed with their father.

Attended The West Bridgford Comprehensive School, Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham. The school has a book containing newspaper cuttings of her achievements in the reception.

Turned down the role of Ophelia in Hamlet (2000) due to scheduling conflicts with Sweet and Lowdown (1999). In The Libertine (2004), she played the actress Elizabeth Barry who, in the movie, played a stunning Ophelia on stage.

Wanted a role in Love Actually (2003) but was turned down in favor of Martine McCutcheon and Keira Knightley.

Was originally cast as Diane Arbus in Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006) and as Harper Lee in Infamous (2006).

Gave birth to a baby girl on the 4th January 2008 and named her Edie. Edie weighed 7lb 8oz and was born in a London hospital.

Engaged to Ian Holm's son, Harry Holm.

Was actually the third choice to play Agatha in Minority Report (2002); Cate Blanchett and Jenna Elfman both turned it down.

Daughter, Esme, born 5 February 2000 in London. Father is actor Charlie Creed-Miles.

Moved to London from Nottingham at 16.

Turned down the title role in Iris (2001/I).