Born in Nottingham, England and trained at the Central Junior Television Workshop, Samantha's first television work came at the age of 13. Since then, she has played many minor TV roles in such dramas as Cracker, Peak Practice, Boon, Soldier Soldier and Medics, before reaching the big time with major roles in such TV movies and mini-series as Band of Gold, Emma, Jane Eyre and The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling.
Daughter, Esme, born 5 February 2000 in London. Father is actor Charlie Creed-Miles. Her performance as a mute in Woody Allen's Sweet and Lowdown earned her an Oscar nomination for 2000 Academy Awards. Has eight siblings. Dropped out of school at 13. Moved to London from Nottingham at 16. Born in a Nottingham council estate. Turned down the role of Lisa in Girl, Interrupted. Turned down the title role in Iris. Wanted a role in Love Actually but was turned down in favor of Martine McCutcheon and Keira Knightley. Was actually the third choice to play Agatha in Minority Report; Cate Blanchett and Jenna Elfman both turned it down. Attended The West Bridgford Comprehensive School, Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham. The school has a book containing newspaper cuttings of her achievements in the reception. Was originally cast as Diane Arbus in Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus and as Harper Lee in Infamous. Engaged to Ian Holm's son, Harry Holm. Turned down the role of Ophelia in Hamlet due to scheduling conflicts with Sweet and Lowdown. In The Libertine (2004), she played the actress Elizabeth Barry who, in the movie, played a stunning Ophelia on stage. Parents split up when the actress was three. The children stayed with their father. Gave birth to a baby girl on the 4th January 2008 and named her Edie. Edie weighed 7lb 8oz and was born in a London hospital.