While her character Emily Cooper charms audiences in Paris on the hit Netflix series, actress Lily Collins is making a real-life move that points her compass firmly towards London. The 36-year-old star, daughter of musician Phil Collins, is planning to permanently relocate from Los Angeles to the British capital alongside her husband, film director Charlie McDowell, and their one-year-old daughter Tove.
A Return to British Roots
Sources close to the family reveal that Collins has been contemplating a return to Britain since her 12-week stint in the West End thriller Barcelona over the Christmas period in 2024. It was during this theatrical run that she reportedly 'fell in love' with London, rekindling a connection to her childhood. Collins grew up in an eight-bedroom house in Guildford before her parents' divorce when she was seven, after which she split time between West Sussex and Los Angeles before fully committing to a US-based career.
Family and Future Considerations
The decision to move is heavily influenced by family dynamics and future planning. Collins, who gave birth to Tove via surrogate in January of last year, is actively considering school options for her daughter. A source explained, 'Lily grew up in the English countryside with many happy memories and she wants the same for her daughter. But instead of the countryside, she has fallen in love with London because that's where she has lots of friends and family.' The actress is said to be particularly enamoured with northern London neighbourhoods such as Hampstead and Queen's Park.
This relocation marks a significant shift from her recent living arrangements. Collins has been dividing her time between a £1 million home in Copenhagen, which she shares with McDowell, and Los Angeles, where her mother, antique shop owner Jill Tavelman, resides. The couple sold their LA home in Pasadena—notably neighboured by Meryl Streep—for £4.5 million last year, signalling a clear departure from California.
Joining a Celebrity Trend
Collins will join a notable list of A-list celebrities who have opted to leave the United States for Britain in recent years, a trend some attribute to the political climate during Donald Trump's presidency. Among these high-profile figures are Barbie star Ryan Gosling, who resides in Hampstead, and former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, who moved to the Cotswolds. Collins's move underscores a growing pattern of Hollywood talent seeking refuge or new opportunities across the Atlantic.
London Feels Like Home
During a visit to London last January, Collins expressed a deep affection for the city, stating it 'felt like home.' She shared a charming anecdote about her love for the capital's iconic transport, saying, 'Most of all I love sitting upstairs at the front of a double-decker bus. I don't have a plan on where I want to go, I just sit and see all the sights and people.' This sentiment aligns with her desire to provide a stable, familiar environment for her young family.
As fans of Emily in Paris know, the show follows American marketing executive Emily Cooper as she navigates work and life in the French capital, with the fourth series recently seeing her move to Rome. When asked last year about the possibility of an Emily in London spin-off, Collins remarked that it 'would be fun.' With her impending relocation, speculation about such a series may intensify, bringing a fictional connection to her real-world journey.
In summary, Lily Collins's planned move from Los Angeles to London represents a heartfelt return to her British heritage, driven by family considerations, personal nostalgia, and a genuine fondness for the city's vibrant culture. As she settles into her new life, audiences may watch with interest to see if her on-screen adventures ever mirror this transatlantic transition.
