Doctor Who star’s humble roots

As the new Doctor Who sidekick, she’s one of the most privileged actresses in the country. But Freema Agyeman had a 'very tough' childhood in one of London’s most deprived council estates, according to her friend and former roommate.

“I had never met anyone who had had it so hard growing up,” Elizabeth Lo Faro told the Sunday Mirror. “I came from a more privileged background and I remember trying hard not to be too shocked by what Freema told me.

“Her family lived in a small place on a bad estate. I got the impression it was very cramped with lots of them sharing a few rooms. They were always short of money and she had to do without a great deal.”

But, despite throwing everything she had into pursuing a career in acting, Elizabeth says Freema never showed signs of being changed by fame.

“I always imagined that people who made it in entertainment would be mean and selfish,” she says. “But Freema was never like that. She was so sweet.”