Jenna Coleman needed persuading to take on the role of Queen Victoria in the new miniseries 'Victoria'.
Jenna Coleman
The 30-year-old actress has admitted she didn't jump at the chance to portray the former monarch - who reigned for 39 years - in the forthcoming period drama because she was worried she wouldn't be able to do it justice.
Speaking during a Q&A for the new show at London's Kensington Palace on Thursday (11.08.16), she said: "I think when taking on something so iconic, and someone who really existed, I think there's also going to be concern that you can do it to the best of your ability.
"Ultimately, the more I read, the more it unfolded in front of me and it was impossible to turn down.
"I think I would crazy if I do. It's a gift. It's an absolute gift to be able to explore and try and bring this to life."
However, the brunette beauty was surprised at herself because she vowed not to do a series again for a while after she turned her back on 'Doctor Who' earlier this year.
She explained: "Funnily, when I left 'Doctor Who', I think I said I didn't want to do another series for a while but then writer Daisy [Goodwin] took me out for lunch so it changed but it's been such an adventure, I've loved it."
Meanwhile, although she didn't jump at the chance to play Victoria in the show, the executive producer Dan McCulloch didn't want anyone else but Jenna to play her.
He explained: "It [casting Jenna] was the easiest thing in the whole thing. It was actually persuading Jenna that was the challenge. Of course it was going to be Jenna, there's no one else but Jenna ... There is only Jenna who has the star quality and, if I'm allowed to say, diminutive power to be this queen. It was very easy."
'Victoria' hits television screens on August 28 on ITV.
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