Eva-Jane Willis was born in South Africa to Eileen Willis and renowned filmdirector Ian Gabriel. As a young child, she relocated with her mother and sister to North London at the tender age of four, marking a significant turning point in her life. At this early stage, Eva-Jane began to nurture her passion for the performing arts, training part-time at the prestigious Mountview Theatre School. Her talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, as she was soon spotted by casting agents from the BBC, leading to her first minor role in the popular television series Grange Hill.
Throughout her childhood and teenage years, Eva-Jane continued to hone her craft, gaining valuable screen experience in various commercials and music videos. Her early start in the industry laid the foundation for her future success, and she soon landed her first leading role in a feature film by iDream productions in 2007. Despite the allure of her newfound fame, Eva-Jane decided to put her acting career on hold and defer her degree at London Metropolitan University, opting instead to complete the film and accept another lead role in the feature "Highgate Vampire" alongside actress Vanessa Kirby.
Although the film's development ultimately stalled, Eva-Jane's determination and perseverance paid off when she was offered a place on the three-year BA Acting course at Drama Centre London. During her time at the esteemed institution, she was nominated for the esteemed Carlton Hobbs Award and went on to win the first prize Laurence Olivier Bursary Award for her outstanding performances in "The Philanthropist" by Christopher Hampton and "Henry IV: Part 2".
