AN aspiring Leigh actress starred alongside Hollywood icons such as Dame Judi Dench and Sally Phillips in her film debut which has now hit the big screen.

Elizabeth Dormer-Phillips, 20, was cast as one of the main characters in the new film Off the Rails, which had its premiere at Leicester Square.

The film follows 18-year-old Maddie, played by Elizabeth, who goes on a trip with her mum’s friends after her mum passed away.

In the coming of age film, Maddie falls in love for the first time since losing her mum, while building relationships with her mums’ nearest and dearest.

Elizabeth started performing at the age of 12 at the Pauline Quirke Academy before landing a role in Sky Atlantic’s Fortitude at just 13.

The talented performer took a short break to focus on studies.

Echo:

Elizabeth said: “I had the audition for Off the Rails in January 2019.

“I wasn’t really expecting it. I didn’t think my career was going to pick back up.

“I thought it went well and then they called me the week after to say I got the part.

“I never thought it would happen. I’ve never done anything like this before.

“It was just a really nice feeling.

“It’s nice to do a film that loads of different people can enjoy.”

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Elizabeth was left starstruck after meeting famous co-stars Dame Judi Dench, Sally Phillips, Kelly Preston and Jenny Seagrove.

Echo:

Speaking about filming with Judi Dench, Elizabeth said: “Oh my gosh she’s just so lovely and down to earth.

“She’s just magical. I felt starstruck being with them.

“I just remember saying to Sally that I felt a bit starstruck because I loved Miranda and she was so lovely.

“It was like having four mums to guide me through it. It was such a family vibe.”

Elizabeth is hoping her film debut will propel her career, with the young star keen to feature in a period drama.

The film’s premiere was the first red carpet event to be held since Covid pandemic hit.