Girl Of The Moment: Jessica Raine

Photo: Getty Images

Something is happening in the world of television. Gone are the cookiecutter love interests, stroppy friends and neurotic bosses. Women on the small screen have never been as keenly drawn as they are right now.

“[Television] is giving me such rich work,” says Jessica Raine. She should know. The British actress is one of the country’s most prolific small-screen stars, having spent three seasons on beloved ’50s drama Call The Midwife. This year, the 32 year old is expanding her CV with a plethora of meaty roles tailored for the small screen.

There’s a part in Scandi-crime caper Fortitude, a starring turn in a revamped Agatha Christie franchise, and then there’s Wolf Hall, based on Hilary Mantel’s Man Booker Prizewinning Tudor novel. Damian Lewis – in truly inspired casting – plays Henry VIII. Raine is Jane Rochford, Anne Boleyn’s manipulative sister-in-law.

Wolf Hall might have all the hallmarks of a stuffy costume drama: historic locations, authentic wardrobe and largely lit using only candlelight. But it is no one-dimensional bodiceripper. Fans of contemporary political thrillers will find plenty to love here.

“There’s something very human about it,” agrees Raine. But, could she live in Tudor times? “No!” she laughs. “It was an awful time to be a woman.”

Wolf Hall airs on Foxtel's BBC First at 8.30PM