Jodie Comer says being led by Danny Boyle in 28 Years Later was a ‘proper dream'
Comer, who is best known for playing the antagonist Villanelle in the hit BBC series Killing Eve, was speaking at the 28 Years Later world premiere in Leicester Square on Wednesday evening.
28 Years Later is set in the same world as the 2002 apocalyptic horror 28 Days Later, which saw Cillian Murphy play a bicycle courier who awakes from a coma to discover the accidental release of a highly contagious, aggression-inducing virus has caused the breakdown of society.
The new instalment follows on almost three decades since the virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, where some have found a way to exist amid the infected despite an enforced quarantine.
When one of the group leaves the gated island they are residing on for a mission to the mainland, they discover secrets and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.
Comer features in the film alongside Ralph Fiennes and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Comer said on Wednesday: 'I was honoured when I got this script through.
'And you know, with the opportunity to sit down with Danny, who's a filmmaker who I've admired for a very long time, and to be kind of led by him and be on one of his sets is a proper dream.'
She added that Boyle leads a 'calm, playful, fun' set.
28 Years Later will be screened in cinemas from Friday.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
22 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Special way Princess Kate leans on Sophie for support in cancer recovery
As Princess Kate has made her return to royal duties after completing her cancer treatment, she has found comfort and reliability in Duchess Sophie, as their sisterly relationship continues to grow stronger As Princess Kate has made her triumphant return to select royal duties since announcing her cancer is now in remission, she has found comfort in one key royal player: Duchess Sophie. The pair have often been seen sharing laughs and conversing during royal engagements, with their friendship only growing stronger over the years. Kate has found solace in Sophie's friendship at royal events in years past, with the dynamic duo even occasionally dressing in complimenting outfits when stepping out together. Sophie and Kate were seen looking dazzling at Garter Day on Monday, wearing matching pastel ensembles, as they reminded royal onlookers of their tight-knit bond. The sisterly friendship between Kate and Sophie stems back to when Kate first joined the royal family in the late 2000s with her marriage to Prince William, and was fostered by the fact that both women were seen as a safe pair of hands to represent the royal family by the late Queen Elizabeth. The two women have much in common - not least they were both from non-royal families and held down normal jobs before marrying into the Firm. Sophie has also brought up her now-grown-up children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, the Earl of Wessex, while juggling full-time royal duties - something that Kate is also now grappling with as she raises Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. And former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror: "There seems to be a real friendship between Sophie and Catherine. It's hard to think of them as aunt and niece. They seem much more like sisters or cousins." "I think Sophie has been able to offer Catherine a huge amount of advice over the years – not just about how to fit into this very elite family, but also about how to juggle a hectic working life with bringing up children. "And I suspect that Sophie has been a great comfort to Catherine (and indeed to William) during the past very difficult 18 months. Sophie went through some alarming health scares during childbirth and would have been a shoulder to cry on if Catherine felt the need. "When you join the royal family, it must be rather like subscribing to a secret society. There are so few people you can trust, so few friends you can confidently confide in. I'm sure Catherine has always felt that Sophie is a safe pair of hands and someone she can easily trust - and visa versa." Today marks a special day for Sophie as it is her and Prince Edward's wedding anniversary, with the pair marking 26 years of marriage. Unlike the late Queen's other children, Edward is the only one not to have divorced. And Jennie believes there is one major key that contributes to their successful marriage. She explained: "I think they have said it themselves. They are best friends. In Sophie's own words, delivered in a tearful tribute to her husband for his 60th birthday, she called him 'the best of fathers the most loving of husbands and still my best friend'. "Edward has described his wife as his rock and said he was 'incredibly lucky to have found Sophie'. To be perfectly frank I used to think Edward was slightly pompous. But I was wrong. I've met him a few times over the years and watched him at work. He's actually very engaging, almost relentlessly jolly - and throws himself into every engagement: asking numerous questions and chatting quite freely with the crowds." With the slimmed-down monarchy looking even slimmer of late, especially since the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan, Edward and Sophie have been described as filling the gap. It is said that the King regards both of them as key players, with them also tipped to play a huge role when William becomes King. And Jennie said: "Sophie is a diamond. Unpretentious, down to earth – often does her own make-up and even drives herself to her engagements. She's the easiest person in the world to chat with and doesn't seem bothered about attracting headlines. Sometimes her visits aren't even flagged up to the press. "Recently, though, as they assumed their very senior positions as Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, we have learned more about their work and I think they're getting some of the recognition they deserve. "Like other members of the royal family, they're not fussed about having publicity about themselves: what they want is publicity about the causes and charities they are supporting. "They, in turn, will continue to play an important role in supporting King Charles, and then King William. And, for the next decade or two at least, I think we shall be seeing more and more of Edward and Sophie."
Daily Mail
23 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
EastEnders fans convinced star has QUIT BBC soap after ‘disappearing' from screens without explanation
EastEnders fans are convinced one star has quit the BBC soap after 'disappearing' from screens without explanation. Lexi Pearce, played by Isabella Brown, has not been seen on-screen since the show's 40th anniversary episodes, which aired four months ago, back in February. The character, whose parents are Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and the late Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), is about to turn 13 - but is nowhere to be found. She was played by Dotti-Beau Cotterill from 2012 until 2015, when the character left Walford for Newcastle with her mother Lola, who was seeking a better life there. Isabella took over playing the character in 2019 when the mum and daughter duo made their return to E20. But fans on discussion site Reddit are now worried the young actress might have left the soap - and could be replaced, as many child stars have been over the years. One viewer wrote on discussion site Reddit: 'Anyone know what's happening with Lexi? 'She hasn't been seen since the 40th anniversary and was rather absent prior to that too... 'With only nine appearances this year, I wouldn't be shocked to see her return with a new head [played by a new actress].' Another said: 'Looks wise, the actress reminds me a lot of the old Amy Mitchell so I wonder if they'll recast her soon to someone older/older looking.' Someone else hoped this would not happen: 'I hope she doesn't get recast. She's a great actress and it's nice to see a realistic looking teenager. Most teens are played by adults.' Some wondered if there was quite a simple explanation: 'Not every character has to be on screen all the time. It's one of the perks of having an ensemble cast.' Meanwhile, another stated, 'She's a child and has school', with someone else arguing back: 'So do the other child actors we see on a more regular basis.' Other commenters made the point other child characters have taken long breaks too, including Lily, Hope and Arthur - so Lexi's absence is not necessarily unusual. Fans on discussion site Reddit (pictured) are now worried the young actress might have left the soap - and could be replaced, as many child stars have been over the years But some felt even those characters have had more screen time than Lexi: 'Also, Lexi could be considered a legacy character seeing as Ben Mitchell is her dad and Lola is dead. So you would think they would want to show more of her.' Many fans hoped to see her back soon: 'I assume we'll be seeing more of her later in the year. 'Her and Lola's birthdays are coming up in July so it'd be nice if the show addressed it.' Amid the heavy debate, one fan tried to reassure all their fellow commenters: 'Lexi isn't going anywhere, she's just waiting her turn.' They made the point the actress is now at secondary school with a greater academic workload outside the show - so might just be taking some time off for that. Also, with a large ensemble cast now, it is hard to get screen time: 'It becomes even more the case for child actors who are not only more difficult to rota around (due to school commitments) but are also subject to child labour laws.' Her character Lexi is also unlikely to get a prominent role on-screen until her father Ben makes a permanent return, they argued. They also referred to the example of Lily Slater (Lillia Turner), the daughter of long-running character Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner): 'We had a big period of screen time for Lily, followed by ages off screen. 'Then recently she had all the Martin stuff [Lily's adopted father, who died earlier this year, and is played by James Bye] and now she's gone for ages again so the actress can do her GCSEs. It's just the way it is!' It follows fans raising similar concerns in December last year about another long absence Lexi had from the show. This came after Lexi's mother Lola tragically passed away from a terminal brain cancer diagnosis. To make matters worse, the young girl's father Ben was then jailed for fraud. But to the delight of fans, Lexi made her return for the soap's huge 40th anniversary week episodes in February this year. And actress Isabella's agent has previously confirmed she would continue to star as Lexi 'throughout 2025'. EJC Management posted on Instagram in December, saying: 'So very proud of this young lady! 'Our incredible Isabella Brown will continue to play the brilliant Lexi Peace throughout 2025 in BBC EastEnders. 'Isabella joined the square six years ago and seeing her grow as an actress is such a joy! 'Her dedication, drive, professionalism and work ethic is so inspiring from someone so young. 'She has had some amazing storylines and we can't wait to see what 2025 has in store for Lexi!'
Daily Mail
23 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Heston Blumenthal breaks down in tears and issues poignant apology as son reveals the devastating impact of his bipolar battle on family
Heston Blumenthal broke down in tears and apologised as his son revealed the devastating impact of his bipolar battle on their family. The popular TV chef, 59, is well known for presenting Channel 4 shows Heston's Fantastical Food and Heston's Feasts. Heston was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in November 2023 after he began experiencing hallucinations, mania and even suicidal thoughts. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder which causes unusual and often sudden changes in mood and energy levels. The English chef and restaurateur's new BBC show, Heston: My Life With Bipolar, is set to hit screens on Thursday evening at 8pm and follows Heston as he explores the impact the condition has had on his life. Heston previously told how his wife French entrepreneur Melanie Ceysson, 36, made the brave choice to have him sectioned - which he has since said 'saved my life'. During the programme, Heston sits down with his son, Jack, 32, and the pair discuss the impact bipolar had on the chef's relationship with his children. Jack admitted the family 'found it difficult' but that it felt positive to know what caused the issues now Heston has been diagnosed. 'We just wanted a relaxing conversation with our dad, and we weren't allowed to have one,' Jack said. Heston interjected: 'Because I just didn't stop talking...' His son agreed and added: 'You didn't want to know anyone's thoughts, I just don't think you gave a s**t.' Jack confessed the condition made it difficult to speak and interact with his father. He explained: 'It always started off really well for a few minutes and then it just turned... I had to walk away sometimes, I had to go 'we're not doing it' and every time we tried to hype ourselves up to come and see you.' 'I'm so sorry,' Heston said, as he looked emotional. Jack revealed the amount of preparation it would take to meet with his dad in the past. 'We'd plan it three weeks in advance, mentally just getting prepared just to see you for half an hour. It was horrible and it was constant,' he described. Heston teared up and tenderly took his son's hand. 'Talking about this, this happened,' the TV star said, pointing to his tearful eyes. 'And I realise it's not me being bipolar, well it is me being bipolar, it's damaging the people I love, the people around me. So I'm sorry.' His son replied: 'I know, and I don't think you have to say that, because we know you were kind of in a bit of a world of your own at certain points and this conversation needed to be had, didn't it?' 'I just want you to know that I love you, I forgive you for everything and I'm really proud to me your son,' Jack added. The chef emotionally apologised again and said: 'I want to thank you, thank you for this. I want you to know how sincerely sorry I am. I love you, I love you, my children so much and I can see it now.' The pair then shared a hug. The documentary also looks into the state of healthcare for those with bipolar in the UK, with Heston talking to others who also have the condition about their experiences. He said: 'I was living with undiagnosed bipolar for many years, so it's been an extraordinary journey to get where I am today. 'There is still a big stigma around bipolar, but it is vital to be able to talk openly about the condition. 'I know this isn't always easy, but I hope by sharing my experience in this documentary people will gain a greater understanding of bipolar and an insight into my life now.' Heston, who has an impressive seven Michelin stars, became an ambassador for Bipolar UK in February. The charity describes the mental health condition as an episodic disorder characterised by potentially extreme changes in energy and mood. It carries the highest suicide risk of any mental health condition. Bipolar UK estimates more than one million adults in Britain have the disorder - which is 30 per cent more than the number of people with dementia. But it is thought some 56 per cent of those living with bipolar in the UK do not have a diagnosis. It comes after a heart-wrenching tell-all interview Heston gave to This Morning in March, recounting his suicidal thoughts and how he hallucinated about guns. The chef spoke about his mental health struggles to presenters Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shepherd, 50, to mark bipolar awareness month. He is keen to raise awareness about the condition, explaining the figures about the high number of people living with it in the UK - along with the significant proportion of those who are undiagnosed. The food critic explained before his diagnosis, he had stepped away from cooking and had a bit more time on his hands, which meant manic episodes became more prevalent. Heston said on the ITV show: 'In the darker moments, there was suicidal thoughts... 'I realised afterwards, it's quite a classic symptom of being in a mania stage you can hallucinate sound, smell, touch. I saw a gun on the table. 'I told my wife, which obviously, for me, it all seemed quite normal. I looked back at it, there was nothing normal about it.' Heston wants to break the stigma surrounding the disorder and confessed that he had 'no idea' he had it. He explained: 'It was about 13/14 months ago when I was sectioned. 'I got the diagnosis. I had no idea. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2017, so there is quite a big cross over with ADHD and Bipolar. There are similar symptoms. 'I really didn't think about it until having sort of manic highs and dropping to these lows. 'When you're on these manic highs, you get this sense of I don't know, you think I'm superman, everything is beautiful. 'Then something happens, it's a bit like an an overreactive child that's really having a great time, then someone moves something and then they have a mini tantrum. 'Then you can go into these sort of darker moments.' Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The restaurant owner also praised his wife Melanie for having him sectioned: 'It was the best thing that could have happened to me.' Cat said: 'That is very brave of her.' 'She didn't know if I'd blame her so much, that there was resentment build it,' he continued, 'But it saved my life.' After two months of hospitalisation he was put on medication 'that is continually being tweaked'. Heston said: 'I can look back and think blimey, those highs and lows, now I am definitely in the process of stabilising.' If you have been affected by this story, contact Mind on 0300 123 3393 Heston: My Life With Bipolar airs on BBC Two on June 19 at 8pm and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. WHAT IS BIPOLAR? Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder which causes unusual and often sudden changes in mood and energy levels. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Moods of those with bipolar disorder range from periods of extreme elation and energy (known as a manic episode) to periods of extreme somberness and lack of energy (known as a depressive episode). HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? According to the International Bipolar Foundation, sufferers are diagnosed with rapid cycling if they have four or more manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes in any 12-month period. This severe form of the condition occurs in around 10 to 20 percent of all people with bipolar disorder. WHAT CAUSES IT? Currently it is unknown what is the cause of bipolar disorder, which affects around 5.7 million US adults aged 18 or older.
