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.
Bu hikaye Woman’s Day Magazine NZ dergisinin August 06, 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Woman’s Day Magazine NZ dergisinin August 06, 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
TREASURE & TRAUMA
The launch of the new season of Celebrity Treasure Island doubled as an eighth wedding anniversary celebration for contestant Millen Baird and his wife Siobhan Marshall, who came fourth on the show back in 2022.
JUDGE JAY-JAY
Radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas
CASEY'S BABY JOY 'OUR GIRL IS ALREADY SO LOVED'
The Te Puke gym owner refused to let a devastating accident stop her from becoming a mother
DEAD FUNNY! SHOSHANA'S GOING SOLO
The Emmy Award-winning writer is starring in a macabre new comedy
TWO RAW SISTERS BABY MAKES THREE!
Rosa and Margo have a new cookbook and bundle of joy on the way
HOME AND AWAY'S NEW MÃORI STAR
The son of a Kiwi sporting Legend, Cantona Stewart is making waves in Summer Bay
TV STAR AIDEE 'THE NIGHT I ALMOST DIED'
The actress and director opens up about her terrifying ordeal
CARMEL SEPULONI I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FIGHTER!
Our former deputy PM the lessons she's learnt in politics on CTI
KENNEDY & SOLLY'S ROMANTIC RACE TO THE ALTAR
The Black Ferns co-captain and her rugby star husband organised the ir nuptials in just five days!
THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!
Their lovable bromance is stealing the spotlight in Venice!