Last Christmas premiere: On the red carpet with Emilia Clarke, Emma Thompson, Paul Feig and Andrew Ridgeley

It truly felt like Christmas had arrived early at the Last Christmas premiere on London’s Southbank.

It was all fake snow blizzards and baltic temperatures, Christmas trees and twinkly lights, as we took to the scene to meet the cast and crew behind new the movie. The film, co-written by national treasure Emma Thompson and Bryony Kimmings, uses music from Wham! and George Michael – given with his blessing before his tragic death.

In the ilk of festive classics such as Love Actually, the film follows Emilia Clarke as a disillusioned 20-something Londoner, working as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop, who befalls Tom, Crazy Rich Asian’s heartthrob, Henry Golding. It’s inspired by the themes of the 1984 hit Last Christmas by George Michael – of lost and unrequited love.

While sitting within the romantic comedy genre, beneath the Christmas cheer, it also tackles underlying issues around family, immigrants, homelessness and illness.

The beautiful Emilia Clarke told us how it felt to be moving away from her years-long role in Game of Thrones as Khaleesi – before being snuggled up in Emma Thompson’s coat.

Director Paul Feig shared with us how it was Emma Thompson’s script that got him hooked into the idea of the film – and how he has been combating negative remarks about it online with cheer.

Andrew Ridgeley, half of Wham!, explained how he never thought there would a Christmas movie on their classic 1984 track and the legacy he feels George Michael left behind.

Actress Lydia Leonard discussed her character, Marta, and her Fleabag-esque sibling rivalry with Kate and how the film is great for keeping up the festive cheer.

Peter Mygind chatted with us about playing the role of “tall, charming Dane” and how much he always admired Emma Thompson.

Actor and musician Martin Kemp spoke to us about George Michael’s lasting legacy and his upcoming swing album.

Sarah Bradbury
Videos: Marta Starczynowska

Last Christmas is released nationwide on 15^th November 2019. Read our review here.

Watch the trailer for Last Christmas here: