'She is an amazing and very inspiring person': Daisy Ridley's family celebrate her leading role in the new Star Wars movie
Just a few months ago she was still taking bit-part roles as a jobbing actress.
But 21-year-old Daisy Ridley is now set to become a Hollywood star after being plucked from obscurity to land one of the most coveted roles in film history.
The British actress, who appeared in a cameo role during an episode of Casualty last year, will now appear on the big screen alongside Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher is the eagerly awaiting new Star Wars film, Star Wars: Episode VII.
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Her father, Christopher, 73, last night spoke of his delight at hearing his daughter had been chosen to star in the £120m blockbuster, which is due to be released in December next year.
He told the Daily Mail: ‘I’m very proud of her and very glad for her. There is no doubt she will be able to handle it. Emotionally she is very focused. She is an amazing and very inspiring person.
‘She had taken odd roles in things like Casualty and a few other TV show and I’ve always thought she was fantastic in front of a movie camera.
‘Like most parents, you take your children through the violin and gymnastic lessons when they are young. But she always seemed to have a real ability when it came to acting. She can hold a tune very well too.
‘If she hadn’t chosen acting, there would have been something else that she could have done. She is very talented. She is one of five sisters and they are all talented in their own ways.’