Ridley: Not Being Star Wars Fan Helped Play Rey

Daisy Ridley has told Sky News not being a fan of Star Wars helped her as she filmed scenes for one of the biggest films of the decade.

The British actress plays Rey in JJ Abrams' The Force Awakens and said being on set with other cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill was "overwhelming a lot of the time".

Ridley, 23, was speaking at the European premiere in London where she admitted not seeing the films helped her.

"I wasn't like trying to fit into anything, I was just, like, right this is what I have to do this day. Let me just comes to terms with this."

Star Wars is Ridley's first ever film role after starring in television shows like Mr Selfridge and Casualty.

Ford told Sky News it "was a pleasure to come back" to the franchise.

"JJ Abrams throws a great party, we had fun every day."

Fisher, who reprises her role as Princess Leia, brought along her French bulldog, Gary.

Asked how she felt about being at the premiere, she said: "I've never felt more relaxed in my life. I feel relaxed, as I said, and I come here to just be myself and feel real."

Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, said he was also overwhelmed.

"It never gets old, it's hard to believe the excitement after all of these years."

The world premiere took place in Los Angeles on Monday night but British newcomer John Boyega, who is from Peckham, told Sky News the event in London meant more to him.

"I'm so happy that everyone has taken to the new generation of characters," he added.

Abrams said both of the young stars (Ridley and Boyega) "more than hold their own" in the movie.

"The two of them are out of this world and I cannot wait for people to see them."

Earlier a line of Star Wars characters including Stormtroopers and Jedi Knights marched down the red carpet led by Darth Vader before the film's stars arrived.

Many fans at the event arrived in fancy dress, while dozens were carrying red and blue lightsabers which were handed to them as they arrived.

C-3P0 and R2-D2 and the latest robot to feature in the series BB-8 also appeared.

British fans will be able to see the film from midnight tonight but American fans have to wait until Friday.

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