Mamma Mia 2's Lily James reveals how she overcame her nerves of singing for ABBA

She has a starring role in the new film

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 17th Jul 2018
Last updated 18th Jul 2018

The premiere for the much-anticipated Mamma Mia sequel took place in London last night, with all the stars turning out in force for the screening. The film, entitled Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!, will be released in UK cinemas on 20th July, and is thought to be a sort of prequel to the original film, which was released in 2008.

heat radio were able to speak to some of the cast on the red carpet of the show - and Lily James, who is playing a younger version of Meryl Streep's character Donna Sheridan, revealed that she was super nervous to sing in front of ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.

She revealed, "I was so nervous to begin with. I went to Stockholm to record with them in Benny's studio and I didn't speak for a week, I was so scared."

However, the Cinderella star said that she was able to get over her nerves thanks to Benny and Björn, saying, "When I got there, somehow - through the magic of who they both are - it became natural and organic and they trusted me and they shared the music with me, and I just lived my best popstar life!

"I gave it everything. The songs are so beautiful, they're magic."

WATCH: Lily James opens up about working with ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson

She also opened up about the childhood memories she has of listening to ABBA songs, saying, "I used to dance as a kid, my dad used to play 'Waterloo' to me on a CD he'd made for dinner parties, a compilation.

"I went and saw the show when I was 10-years-old, it's mind-blowing! I can't actually put it into words right now."

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Mamma Mia 2's Lily James reveals how she overcame her nerves of singing for ABBA
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This comes after fellow star of the film Pierce Brosnan dropped a slightly major spoiler in an interview on This Morning, revealing that Meryl Streep had returned to the franchise after speculation over whether she'd reprised her role as Donna Sheridan.

Lily James stars in Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! which is released in UK cinemas on 20th July.