ICE-COLD ACTION HERO

Dame Emma Thompson on acting with her daughter, swimming underwater and braving temperatures as low as -27°C for her new role

- HILARY MORGAN

Dame Emma Thompson has won fans in countless films throughout her career, from Nanny McPhee and the Harry Potter film series to the classic rom-com Love Actually.

Now the Academy Award-winning actress is taking us on a high-octane journey as she plays the heroine in the new action thriller Dead of Winter.

Emma, 66, who is married to the actor and producer Greg Wise – they have two children, Tindyebwa Agaba, 37, and Gaia, 25 – plays a grief-stricken widow named Barb who fights for survival when she encounters a murderous couple.

Here, the star chats about filming action scenes in freezing temperatures, acting with her daughter Gaia and why Love Actually is still a fan favourite.

Emma, what first attracted you to Dead of Winter?

“The script came to me and I was astonished: the chance to play a normal woman who’s faced with becoming a hero was something I couldn't pass up.

“We're used to seeing stories like this told about male heroes, but this is very much from a female perspective, with real suspense and great action.”

Did you base Barb on anyone in particular?