Born and raised in London

Spent holidays with family in Jordan

Educated at Italia Conti Academy

Began acting career in series of stage plays based on C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia", directed by Ken Hill; spent three seasons with this troupe

First starring role in the British children's TV series "Press Gang" on ITV

Feature film debut, "Buddy's Song"

Played Saffron on "Absolutely Fabulous" (aired in US on Comedy Central in 1994-96)

Co-starred in British comedy series "Second Thoughts"; Sawalha's sister Nadia appeared in a recurring role in the series

Played featured role in TV adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Martin Chuzzlewit" (aired on PBS in 1995)

Co-starred as Lydia Bennett in BBC/A&E production of "Pride and Prejudice" (aired in US in 1996)

Second feature film, Kenneth Branagh's "A Midwinter's Tale/In the Bleak Midwinter"

Played Lydia Bennet in the British-American miniseries "Pride and Prejudice"

Reprised Saffron for the TV-movie "Absolutely Fabulous: The Last Shout" (aired in USA in January 1997)

Voiced the heroine Ginger in the animated "Chicken Run"

Co-starred with Peter O'Toole in "The Final Curtain"