Introducing Clara: Jenna-Louise Coleman gets to work filming the Doctor Who Christmas special

She bagged the coveted role of the new Doctor Who assistant five months ago, and Jenna-Louise Coleman has now got to work in shooting what is believed to be her debut scenes.



The 26-year-old actress will take over from Scottish star Karen Gillan in portraying the Time Lord's new companion, Clara.



It is believed the thought Coleman will make her entrance on the BBC sci-fi show's Christmas special, which the former Emmerdale actress began filming scenes for yesterday.



Preparing for action: Jenna-Louise Coleman was spotted filming scenes for the Doctor Who Christmas special in Newport, Wales, yesterday

On location in Newport Wales, the brunette beauty appeared to be dressed in typically Victorian attire, with her locks teased into loose curls.



Keeping warm in a big black jacket, the star chatted with cast and crew as she practiced her lines.



Also seen on set was guest star Tom Ward - best-known for his role in Silent Witness - who fitted in perfectly with his Victorian-style suit.



Newcomers: Silent Witness star Tom Ward was seen alongside Jenna-Louise on set



Life On Mars actress Liz White relaxed by reading a book when she wasn't filming her scenes, while Stella star Catrin Stewart also got to work, reprising her role as Jenny.



And Doctor Who wouldn't be Doctor Who without its fair share of otherworldy creatures.



Neve McIntosh returned to her role as Madame Vastra the Silurian for the seventh series of the show, and was fully made-up with prosthetics to create her character's green reptile appearance.



Christmas special: Catrin Stewart and Tom Ward got to work filming their scenes for the BBC sci-fi show



Meanwhile, Dan Starkey reprised the part of Sontaran commander Strax.



Jenna-Louise landed the leading role in March, and recently explained that her audition for Doctor Who was like no other she had even been to.



She said: 'Normally you’re just reading in front of a camera, but with this, it was so physical. We were using props and running around so it felt like playing - and like a partnership straightaway.



Scary: Neve McIntosh and Dan Starkey reprised their roles as Madame Vastra the Silurian and Strax

'I have an idea of the story, of the character and of a few surprises, but I don’t know her name or where she’s from. I just told Steven [Moffat] and [producer] Caroline Skinner, "Don’t tell me anything until I need to know it".'



The actress, who is best known for best known for playing Emmerdale’s Jasmine Thomas and Waterloo Road’s Lindsay James, recently played a maid Annie Desmond in ITV's Titanic serial.



Kicking back: Liz White seemed to be having a whale of a time as she took a break from filming









