Doctor's new assistant reveals sickly truth

The leggy actress, who has dazzled viewers as mini-skirted Amy Pond, said she has had to endure some odd things during the nine months of filming for the series.

Speaking in Hollywood, the Scottish actress said the strangest moment so far was "lying in a pool of sick with cabbage in it. That was the most bizarre," the 22-year-old added.

Another weird demand during filming has been "acting terrified of tennis balls – I mastered the art".

Gillan said the balls were on set as they filmed to mark where computer-generated creatures would eventually be seen when the production was finished.

The star was speaking at an invitation-only reception at the Consul General's official residence, celebrating the influence that Britons have had on the entertainment industries in LA.

Gillan said she had been in the US longer than anticipated because they had been unable to return due to the flight restrictions, but she has been "making the most of it".

Working with new Doctor Matt Smith had been a joy because he was so unpredictable as they filmed each scene, she said.

"He's great to work with, you never know what's going to happen from one take to the next, so I don't know what's coming."