MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle

12 Things You Didn’t Know About Love Actually

It wasn't *actually* meant to be Christmas movie... - by Lauren Williamson
  • 21 Dec 2017
12 Things You Didn’t Know About Love Actually
Love Actually

Love Actually has grown a cult-like following since it was released 14 years ago.

And despite watching it every, single, Christmas – there might still be some things you didn't actually know about the iconic romantic comedy. 

1. The movie was filmed back to front

In a recent interview with Cosmopolitan, Martine McCutcheon (who played Natalie in the film) revealed that the movie was actually shot back to front.

"The reunion at Heathrow Airport scene is my favourite,” she said. “It brings back the happiest memories because it was our first day of filming… We were all really excited that we were all working together on our first day rather than it just being me and Hugh [Grant] or Emma [Thompson] and Alan [Rickman].”

2. Hugh Grant really didn't want to do that dance scene

The actor allegedly put off filming the glorious routine for as long as possible.

Love Actually GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

3. Olivia Olson’s voice was TOO good

Were you blown away by Joanna’s rendition of Mariah Carey’s iconic hit? Turns out the tune could have been even better than what you saw on screen. The film’s director, Richard Curtis, thought her pipes were so impressive that they wouldn’t be believed. Apparently he asked her to “do it a little less good" and add some breaths in to make it more “realistic” on the second take. 

4. Andrew Lincoln wrote his own flash cards

Andrew Lincoln wrote the signs for the scene in which his character, Mark, professes his love for his best mate’s wife Juliet.

"It’s funny, because the art department did it, and then I said, 'Well, can I do it?' because I like to think that my handwriting is really good," he said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

Youre Perfect Love Actually GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

5. There’s a hilarious reason why Colin Firth’s character was named Jamie

Emma Freud, script writer and wife of the director, revealed plenty of interesting tidbits when the couple sat down to watch (and live Tweet) the film (which Richard hadn’t seen since the original premier).

emma freud on Twitter

6. The lake that Jamie and Aurelia jumped in was only 18 inches deep

Colin Firth and Lúcia Moniz had to pretend to swim while they did the whole scene on their knees.

Love Actually Swimming GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

7. Claudia Schiffer was paid big bucks for her role

According to the book How Much?!: The $1000 Omelette... and 1100 Other Astonishing Money Moments, the supermodel was paid £200,000 (AU $349,000) for her 60 second cameo in the film. Curtis said she wasn’t originally meant to be in the film – he wanted to cast someone who looked like her but ended up offering her the part when he couldn't find anyone similar.

8. Thomas Brodie-Sangster learned to play the drums for the movie

Yep, Thomas was just as clueless about playing drums as his character, Sam, was. But he eventually learned and still plays to this day.

Love Actually Pointing GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

9. The Prime Minister and Sam are actually related

Hugh Grant is Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s uncle in the film but he's also his second cousin in real life.

10. Emma Thompson wore a “fat suit”

According to IMDB, they wanted to "make her appear heavier" to play Karen as Emma Thompson is naturally thin.

Love Actually Crying GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

11. There was meant to be 14 love stories but it got cut down to 10

According to Buzzfeed, two of the storylines had already been filmed, one was "about an African couple supporting each other through a famine" and the other was about "a stern headmistress who was nursing her lesbian partner through cancer."

12. The word “actually” is said 23 times throughout the movie

22 times by characters and once in the opening monologue.

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

The Top 6 Greatest Moments From 'Love Actually'

The Top 6 Greatest Moments From 'Love Actually'

4 Ways To Donate Or Give Back This Christmas

4 Ways To Donate Or Give Back This Christmas

Rethinking Christmas Day Fashion? We've Got Your La Niña Approved Outfit Sorted

Rethinking Christmas Day Fashion? We've Got Your La Niña Approved Outfit Sorted

Your Guide Guide To The Most Cheesy (And Utterly Bingeable) Christmas Rom-Com Movies On Netflix

Your Guide Guide To The Most Cheesy (And Utterly Bingeable) Christmas Rom-Com Movies On Netflix

{headline}

{headline}

Last minute or well planned? Discover your festive shopping style

Discover your festive shopping style

It Turns Out Keira Knightley Actually Knows Who Juliet Chooses At The End Of 'Love Actually'

It Turns Out Keira Knightley Actually Knows Who Juliet Chooses At The End Of 'Love Actually'

These Are The Christmas Gifts To Buy For The Fashionista Who Has Everything

These Are The Christmas Gifts To Buy For The Fashionista Who Has Everything

{headline}

{headline}

The Best Alcoholic Gift Packs That'll Get Them In The Holiday Spirit

The Best Alcoholic Gift Packs That'll Get Them In The Holiday Spirit

21 Christmas Gifts For Your Favourite Homebodies And Their Ever-Growing Collections

21 Christmas Gifts For Your Favourite Homebodies And Their Ever-Growing Collections

Monogrammed and Personalised Gifts To Add A Sentimental Touch This Christmas

Monogrammed and Personalised Gifts To Add A Sentimental Touch This Christmas

18 Festive, Santa-Approved Nail Art Ideas To Spoil Your Fingertips With This Christmas

18 Festive, Santa-Approved Nail Art Ideas To Spoil Your Fingertips With This Christmas

From Starring In 'The Queens Gambit' To A Successful Singing Career: What The 'Love Actually' Cast Went On To Do

From Starring In 'The Queens Gambit' To A Successful Singing Career: What The 'Love Actually' Cast Went On To Do

The Definitive marie claire Christmas Gift Guide

The Definitive marie claire Christmas Gift Guide

These Beauty Advent Calendars Are The Christmas Gifts That Keep Giving

These Beauty Advent Calendars Are The Christmas Gifts That Keep Giving

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire