Lily James Looks Red-Hot on British InStyle Cover, Talks Cinderella: ''At One Point It All Became Too Much''

Actress is most famous for her role as Lady Rose MacClare in Downton Abbey

By Alyssa Toomey Dec 04, 2014 8:19 PMTags
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Red-hot fashion alert! 

Lily James, who is best known for her role as Lady Rose MacClare in Downton Abbey, covers the January issue of British InStyle magazine, flaunting her enviable appearance—and seriously sexy side—in a fitted red frock that proves she's quickly becoming a style queen. 

Wearing her brunette bangs swept to the side with her hair pulled up to highlight her notable cheekbones, the 25-year-old stunner also rocked a pristine beauty look, wearing a nude lip and subtle eye makeup while putting her signature brows on bold display. 

Inside the mag, the rising stars opens up about her role in the forthcoming film Cinderella (James plays the iconic Disney princess), which also stars Helena Bonham Carter (Fairy Godmother), Richard Madden (Prince Charming) as well as Cate Blanchett (Evil Stepmother). Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the live-action Walt Disney Pictures film will be released on March 15, 2015—sixty-five years after the animated classic debuted. 

"At one point, it all became too much," James admits of the intense filming process. "And then Helena Bonham Carter said to me, 'Have one breakdown a week; it makes people know you're not a robot and remember that you're human."

James, who is currently dating former Doctor Who star Matt Smith, also shared why she rarely discuss her love life (and it's safe to say the young beauty has a good head on her shoulders). 

"In regards to your love life, you're just entering into a whole of pain if you talk about it," she explains. "If you've never said anything, there are no sound bites to haunt you when you're crying into a box of Kleenex after it all goes wrong." 

James, meanwhile, plans to spend Christmas with her family, although she admits the British drama has become the focus of holiday season. 

"Downton's taken over," she reveals. "Suddenly rather than playing charades and getting more drunk, we sit and watch me, which is quite bizarre.'