Rose Leslie

"I personally love her so much because she's a lot of fun. She's feisty and she doesn't take crap from anybody... And the fact that she's a strong woman. There are so many powerful female characters in the series."

- Rose Leslie on playing Ygritte

Rose Leslie (born Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie on 9 February 1987 in Aberdeen) is a Scottish actress. She spent three years studying at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, graduating with a BA Honours degree. She is best known for playing the role of Gwen in the first season of the highly successful drama series Downton Abbey, a role which allegedly contributed to her casting on Game of Thrones. Leslie is descended from Scottish nobility, and grew up in her family's ancestral castle- ironically, her Game of Thrones character has never even seen a castle.

In Game of Thrones Leslie is playing the role of Ygritte. She was confirmed in the role on 10 October 2011. She joined the cast as a guest star for the second season.

After being cast, Leslie dove into the books, and was on book 4 by the start of Season 3. She also took archery lessons, so it would look more realistic when Ygritte handles a bow.