GLAMOUR – Lily James popped into GLAMOUR’s offices – and as well as talking all things Cinderella (the audition, the dress, the Prince), the actress revealed who is the most fun to work with in Downton Abbey and her beauty secrets.

I’m very excited to be here, beer in hand, champagne all around and answering your questions #GLAMOURLily

Do have a favourite Disney villain?
Ursula from The Little Mermaid. I love her. It was a Sunday afternoon and I watched it after not seeing it for a while. Her singing and her boobs…

Are you excited to play Juliet in Romeo & Juliet?
I can’t wait! I love Shakespeare and, you know, we’re coming to the end of the Cinderella press tour and I think if I didn’t know I had Richard Madden and Kenneth Branagh in my life again, I’d be really upset about it. I loved working with them so much. I would miss them.

What was the best part about being Cinderella?
The mixture of costumes and actors.

If you could have any superpower what would it be?
To fly! Or go back in time.

How do you feel having redefined Cinderella?
It’s an honour to bring real life to the fairy-tale.

Who was the most fun to work with in Downton Abbey?
Laura [Carmichael] and/or Michelle [Dockery]. And Jim Carter. EVERYONE! Jim Carter is fun to be with when you’re not working, especially with a bottle of red wine.

What was your reaction when you found out you were Ella?
I screamed down the phone to Ken [Branagh]. I burst his ear drum. It was so weird because I was filming Downton and they said you have to be in your trailer between this time and this time because someone is going to call you. I thought something had happened to my family so I was really worried and then he rang and was like “hello, it’s Kenneth Branagh..” Because normally it’s like you agent that calls so I thought he’d be like “look, you did really well but…” I found out in May two years ago.

Who is your style icon?
Definitely Diane Kruger. Totally the trouser look Vanity Fair.

What’s your top beauty secret?
Moisturise Moisturise Moisturise. I have lip balms falling out of every pocket.

Did you steal anything from the Cinderella set?
No, but I wish I’d have stolen Richard Madden. Our respective partners might not appreciate that!

Most memorable scene to shoot in Cinderella?
Walking into the ballroom for the first time in the dress. My brother was there as an extra so it was special. You don’t see him but he’s like “when is my film coming out?” At Christmas, he gave me a signed picture of Cinderella.

Harry Potter or Twilight?
100% Harry Potter. I’ve never seen Twilight or read it.

If you could play anyone else in Cinderella who would you play?
Probably the fairy godmother.

Were you nervous when you auditioned for the part?
I was but I auditioned for Anastasia first so Cinderella was sort-of sprung upon me so I had to react. I only had 10 minutes so I just did it and didn’t have too much time to think about it.

With the popularity of Frozen do you think there will be more Disney feminist princesses?
Hope so! Sisters!

How would you describe Cinderella to people who haven’t seen it?
Magical and brave.

What’s your favourite musical?
I love so many. Miss Saigon – I’ve only just done that.

How long did it take to learn how to dance for the movie?
A LONG time because there were three people in the dance: me, Richard Madden and the dress. And the dress took over.

Was the iconic ball gown a heavy dress to wear?
It was yes, big and heavy.

Did you enjoy working with Helena Bonham Carter?
Yep, she’s a dream, incredible. So funny and bonkers. Whenever I do photos with her at photo calls, I’m always laughing because she just takes the piss.

What was your favourite scene to shoot? Why?
First meeting with the Prince on the horse – it felt electric.

How was working with Richard Madden?
I loved working with him. He’s really cool and really good. He’s real!

What do you like most about Cinderella’s character?
Her courage and kindness.

Do you like to sing?
I love singing. I sing in the credits.

Do you have a karaoke song?
I sang Queen at a karaoke bar in Russia recently. Everyone was really serious in Russia doing it and then three British girls got up and did it (Tuppence Middleton was there).

Who was your favourite Disney princess as a child?
Ariel and also Belle because she’s spirited and brave.

Favourite line from Cinderella?
Hayley [Atwell’s] line. “Where there is kindness, there is goodness and where there is goodness, there is magic.”

Favourite quote for life?
“Time is an imposition on one’s dignity.” Stolen from my boyfriend [Matt Smith]. I get so stressed when I’m late and I’m always late so I’m always stressed.

What is your favourite book?
A Girl Is A Half-Formed Thing by Eimear McBride. It’s written in a stream of consciousness – it’s so amazing. It doesn’t feel weird at all.

What is your favourite accessory?
Rings. Or sunglasses.

An actor/actress you’d love to work with?
I’d love to work with Amy Adams. I’ve been so lucky with Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter. For an actor – James McAvoy.

Thanks for your questions, that was fun! Love Lily x

PREVIOUS POST
NEXT POST

Comments are closed.