When I play roles with British accents, there’s something about it that feels like I’m speaking naturally, even though I’m having to put it on.’ She laughs at herself, fully aware that she sounds totally American. ‘I mean, I’m both, but I associate more with being British. It sounds surprising coming from a long-term LA resident, but she did spend the first few years of her life living in the Surrey countryside (her mother, Jill Tavelman, is American her father is English, and is also Phil Collins) and she insists that her native country is where she feels most at home. So we’re both like, “Oh my god, it’s good to be back.”’ We would come during holidays or for vacations and we came here together last at Christmas two years ago. And Charlie too – before we even knew each other. ‘And usually I would be coming back a lot.
She might be tired but she’s perky, chatty, and glad to be home. Fortunately Charlie – that is, Charlie McDowell, her very new husband of all of 16 days when we meet – has given the heads-up on a coffee spot not far from the hotel, so we head out into the chill of late September in London. She flew in from LA the night before - the plane was delayed, Heathrow was a mess – and though she’s had some sleep, she definitely needs caffeine, because there’s this interview to do, not to mention a cover shoot.
It’s a grey morning in Soho when Lily Collins and I meet for breakfast.
