John Boyega: I miss London when I’m far, far away

He has a whole galaxy — let alone Hollywood — at his feet but John Boyega says he misses his mother’s cooking and the gloomy British weather when he’s off shooting films.

The actor, 25, who was born in Peckham and shot to fame in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, said he misses “everything” about the capital while he’s working.

He told the Standard: “London is my home. I miss everything. I miss the straight faces in public, I miss the gloomy weather — sometimes. It gives me a reason to stay inside. I miss it every time.”

He said he also misses his mother’s cooking. “My mum sizzles up jollof rice for me. You know that’s my favourite dish? I want the whole world to know that.”

The star, who will reprise his role as Finn in next year’s Star Wars: Episode IX, is known for his close relationship with his family. On Wednesday he paid tribute to his mother Abigail on Instagram, posting a photograph of the pair with the caption: “Love you mummy.”

Boyega was at Vue West End for the premiere of Pacific Rim Uprising, a sequel to 2013’s Pacific Rim and his producing debut.

At the screening, he praised the inclusion riders stars can include in their contracts that demand diversity on set.

He said: “We are redefining and reshaping the industry and a lot of the secret rules of Hollywood are unfounded and not lawful and to include that makes our industry better. And those who wish to defy it, they are held accountable.”