Mamma Mia 2's Lily James reveals how she overcame her nerves of singing for ABBA
She has a starring role in the new film
Author: Emma DoddsPublished 17th Jul 2018 Last updated 18th Jul 2018
The premiere for the much-anticipated Mamma Mia sequel took place in London last night, with all the stars turning out in force for the screening. The film, entitled Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!, will be released in UK cinemas on 20th July, and is thought to be a sort of prequel to the original film, which was released in 2008.
Downtown Radio were able to speak to some of the cast on the red carpet of the show - and Lily James, who is playing a younger version of Meryl Streep's character Donna Sheridan, revealed that she was super nervous to sing in front of ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.
She revealed, "I was so nervous to begin with. I went to Stockholm to record with them in Benny's studio and I didn't speak for a week, I was so scared."
However, the Cinderella star said that she was able to get over her nerves thanks to Benny and Björn, saying, "When I got there, somehow - through the magic of who they both are - it became natural and organic and they trusted me and they shared the music with me, and I just lived my best popstar life!
"I gave it everything. The songs are so beautiful, they're magic."
WATCH: Lily James opens up about working with ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson
She also opened up about the childhood memories she has of listening to ABBA songs, saying, "I used to dance as a kid, my dad used to play 'Waterloo' to me on a CD he'd made for dinner parties, a compilation.
"I went and saw the show when I was 10-years-old, it's mind-blowing! I can't actually put it into words right now."
Check out Empire magazine's top 10 films of last year...
10. Call Me My Your Name
Set in 1993 Italy Call Me by Your Name shows the romantic relationship between Elio Perlman, a 17 year-old living in Italy, and his father's American assistant, Oliver.
Mamma Mia 2's Lily James reveals how she overcame her nerves of singing for ABBA
2 of 10
1. Get Out
In first place is the critically acclaimed American horror movie. Get Out features a young interracial couple who visit the woman's parents, uncovering a conspiracy whereby young black adults are being captured. The film has grossed over $254 million worldwide, against its $4.5 million budget.
10. Call Me My Your Name
Set in 1993 Italy Call Me by Your Name shows the romantic relationship between Elio Perlman, a 17 year-old living in Italy, and his father's American assistant, Oliver.
9. The Handmaiden
The Handmaiden is a South Korean erotic psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-Wook.
8. Logan
Hugh Jackman stars as the lead role in American superhero movie Logan. It is the tenth installment in the X-Men series, as well as the third and final Wolverine solo film.
7. God's Own Country
This British drama followed the life of a young sheep farmer in Yorkshire and how is life changed suddenly following the arrival of a Romanian migrant worker.
6. Dunkirk
Directed by Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk had a star-studded cast including One Direction singer Harry Styles, Tom Hardy and Mark Rylance.
5. The Death of Stalin
The comedy/drama which was released in October followers The Soviet dictator as he lives out his final days, and how chaos erupts after his death.
4. Moonlight
Loved by millions across the world, Moonlight was the winner of 3 Academy Awards including Best Picture.
3. La La Land
In third is multi Oscar-winning musical rom-com La La Land, also starring Gosling with Academy-award winner Emma Stone.
2. Blade Runner 2049
In second place is Blade Runner 2049, set thirty years after the first film and starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford
1. Get Out
In first place is the critically acclaimed American horror movie. Get Out features a young interracial couple who visit the woman's parents, uncovering a conspiracy whereby young black adults are being captured. The film has grossed over $254 million worldwide, against its $4.5 million budget.
10. Call Me My Your Name
Set in 1993 Italy Call Me by Your Name shows the romantic relationship between Elio Perlman, a 17 year-old living in Italy, and his father's American assistant, Oliver.
9. The Handmaiden
The Handmaiden is a South Korean erotic psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-Wook.
8. Logan
Hugh Jackman stars as the lead role in American superhero movie Logan. It is the tenth installment in the X-Men series, as well as the third and final Wolverine solo film.
7. God's Own Country
This British drama followed the life of a young sheep farmer in Yorkshire and how is life changed suddenly following the arrival of a Romanian migrant worker.
6. Dunkirk
Directed by Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk had a star-studded cast including One Direction singer Harry Styles, Tom Hardy and Mark Rylance.
5. The Death of Stalin
The comedy/drama which was released in October followers The Soviet dictator as he lives out his final days, and how chaos erupts after his death.
4. Moonlight
Loved by millions across the world, Moonlight was the winner of 3 Academy Awards including Best Picture.
3. La La Land
In third is multi Oscar-winning musical rom-com La La Land, also starring Gosling with Academy-award winner Emma Stone.
2. Blade Runner 2049
In second place is Blade Runner 2049, set thirty years after the first film and starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford
1. Get Out
In first place is the critically acclaimed American horror movie. Get Out features a young interracial couple who visit the woman's parents, uncovering a conspiracy whereby young black adults are being captured. The film has grossed over $254 million worldwide, against its $4.5 million budget.
This comes after fellow star of the film Pierce Brosnan dropped a slightly major spoiler in an interview on This Morning, revealing that Meryl Streep had returned to the franchise after speculation over whether she'd reprised her role as Donna Sheridan.
Lily James stars in Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! which is released in UK cinemas on 20th July.
