Introducing… Gemma Arterton, the New Bond Girl Gemma Arterton might be beautiful, talented and one of Britain’s brightest acting hopes but I don’t think she’s got what it takes to make it as a diva. She’s just too normal. ‘I still have student debts to pay off,’ says the 22-year-old, who recently beat 1,500 nubile hopefuls to become the newest Bond Girl. ‘I think I’ve used most of my earnings buying bits and bobs from Primark.’

Her role in the 22nd Bond film, Quantum of Solace, now in production, will see her in rather more salubrious surroundings. ‘I play Agent Fields who works for the British Consulate - she’s a bit snooty.’ Arterton, a Rada graduate whose first major film role was in last year’s St Trinian’s adaptation, is clearly undaunted by taking on a part in an iconic franchise. ‘People are always going to compare you to Bond girls, especially the really fit ones, and I know I’m not Halle Berry. I don’t have her boobs.’

Nor does she have the typical showbiz background - her mother, a cleaner, raised her single-handed in Gravesend. ‘She’s very proud but she doesn’t go on about it. She was never that into film when I was growing up. When I got to drama school there were all these people going “Oh, my Dad used to watch Ken Loach films” and I would be thinking, who is Ken Loach?’

Elizabeth Day

Source: The Observer Magazine