Abba-Solutely Besotted How Meryl Made Lily Cry

Meeting her idol was not what she expected

Her mum’s birthday party was in full swing when Lily James leapt onto the table and sang ABBA hit “The Winner Takes it All” at the top of her lungs, while another reveller held a fake microphone in her general direction.

For the rest of her family, it was no surprise that the gorgeous Downton Abbey actress was doing her Agnetha Fältskog impersonations yet again. She’s loved the iconic Swedish band since her dad introduced her to their music when she was a child.

But everyone was taken aback when, just months later, she landed a lead role in the ABBA-inspired movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again – the sequel to the 2008 musical hit. Suddenly, her ABBA renditions were about to be seen by millions of people around the world. Gulp!

Lily, 29, who won hearts for her portrayal of adventurous Lady Rose in period drama Downton, smiles as she recalls her agent asking, dubiously, if she was interested in starring in a Mamma Mia! sequel.

“I was like, ‘Yes! Do you know me at all?’” she laughs. “I was 100% on board.”

The audition, however, caused a “real argument” with her longtime boyfriend, actor Matt Smith, 35, known for his role as Dr Who and his portrayal of Prince Philip in The Crown.

The couple both have busy schedules, and the only weekend that the casting directors were able to meet her in London was the same one that she and Matt had set aside to enjoy each other’s company at the Glastonbury music festival.