Her first name is pronounced Soph-eye-a

Sophia is Greek for Wisdom

Her parents wanted a name that couldn’t be shortened

Her friends call her Soph

Does indeed have a fairly good grasp of the German language – although not necessarily when it comes to speaking it herself. When presented with a German text she can read it with almost no trace of an English accent.

She does not speak French – contrary to her agency’s information. She’d understand it however, if someone were being rude to her in French. Same goes for Italian.

Spent many holidays while growing up in Liechtenstein

Favourite restaurant in the world is Château Eze in the South of France

Most exotic place she’s ever been are The Seychelles

Dreams of travelling to the North Pole – to see the Northern Lights

Is a voting member of the European Film Academy

Reviewers often compare her to Kate Winslet

Is a natural blonde – although her hair darkened when she hit puberty

Is scared of the sea, fish and creepy crawlies. “I’m always convinced that a Great White is going to get me even if I’m in Cornwall”, she once said

Is good friends with Keira Knightley. Used to share a flat in London with her.

Other famous friends include Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon, Anna Friel, Billie Piper, Harry Treadaway, Alex O’Loughlin. Has also kept in touch with Julian Fellowes who discovered her at the age of 16.

Decided to paint one of her rooms in her flat blood-red after having finished shooting Dracula – but regretted it afterwards and got professionals in to paint it over

Reportedly admires Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon, Kate Winslet, Scarlett Johansson and Johnny Depp for their careers, family life and social engagement

Would love to work with Woody Allen and Tim Burton one day

Is represented by Lindy King (United Artists Agency) in the UK and by Daisy Wu (Gersh Agency) in the US.

Was the topic of tabloids in 2005 for being in a relationship with The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby-Costar Charles Dance. Neither have ever commented on it.

The tabloids also linked her to Colditz-Costar Damian Lewis. She denied any romantic involvement.

Her relationship with Doctor Who star David Tennant (2005-2007) was frequently mentioned in the UK press – however, the two tried to keep their private life as private as possible and only confirmed their relationship in a few interviews but never agreed to openly talk about it.