Ashley Jensen - Biography

Rate: Proudly Scottish, Ashley is turning into one of the nation's favourite actresses. A single child and brought up by her mother Margaret, Ashley studied at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, with her big break coming when she was drafted in to play a secretary in BBC comedy, 'May to December'.

But it was only when she got the role as Maggie Jacobs - Andy's best friend and, of course, a fellow extra - in Extras (alongside Ricky Gervais) that she really started to gain recognition.

After just one series she bagged a couple of awards, best television comedy actress and newcomer award at the British Comedy Awards 2005. The next year things got even better as she received two more comedy awards as well as earning a BAFTA nomination.

Who said the Scottish accent wasn't an attractive one? Certainly not us, and it seems the producers of Ugly Betty agreed. When they were initially casting for the role Christina they were looking for an American actress. But after meeting Ashley they decided to change the character's nationality because they liked the sound of her voice so much.

Ashley provided the narration for British film, Taking Liberties, in 2007.