EXCLUSIVE: Fleur East chats to Rita Ora about her new film 'Twist'

Rita Ora plays Dodge in the modern adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist, released later this week. She stars alongside a cast including Raff Law, Michael Caine, Lena Heady and David Walliams.

The contemporary update of the centuries old classic will see Oliver, played by Raff Law in his first major role, as an artist living on the streets of 21st Century London. Two-time Oscar winner Michael Caine will play Fagin, Game of Thrones actress Lena Headey is Sikes and David Walliams plays Losberne.

The Sky original began production in 2019 and was due to be released last year, before filming was put to a halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rita explained that she wasn’t put off by the history behind the film. She said, “It wasn't bad pressure, it was more just exciting.

“I think this would be what Charles Dickens would have probably done in 1839, it was his interpretation of street slang. For us now, shooting in this time, it's our interpretation of the life on the streets. I really love that I was a part of that sort of progression.”

Rita takes on the traditionally male character of the criminal Artful Dodger and puts a charismatic spin on the role, which is now a London gangster.

The multi-talented singer and actress, who grew up in West London herself, described how she enjoyed playing a character she felt she could relate to.

“I grew up in a council estate, you know, it was definitely something that I was familiar with in that sense. So it wasn't crazy, it was just actually fun because I got to be kind of more like gangster with it all and it was really cool to be able to boss people around a little bit!”

As expected, the film is full of drama and action and Rita explained how she tried to do as much of her own stunts as possible.

“There was stunt professionals on set but to be fair, I tried to do my own and Raff Law did a lot of his own stunts. I was so impressed with all the backflipping and the jumping off stairs! I mean, that really was rough but If I could learn I would definitely do it, to learn would be amazing.”

On being a female playing a historically male role, she said, “I think what's so cool about our day and age and kids growing up in this society now. Things are progressing and you know, it's better late than never.”

“I feel like that not just with movies but life in general. And for women and men and the gender roles, I don't really think that's as much of a priority as I think it used to be. And I really love that about the time that we live in. And I'm always going to champion that. So I think it's fantastic.”

The film is available on Sky Cinema and NOW TV from 29th January.

Now check out Rita Ora's most iconic looks:

Now read:

14 things you probably didn't know about singer Rita Ora

Beyoncé's transformation through the years

FYI, Mean Girls is landing on Netflix on Monday 💁‍♀️

• Rita Ora