Ellie Bamber has opened up about the daunting task of portraying supermodel Kate Moss in the upcoming biopic Moss & Freud, describing the role as a 'frightening' and 'big responsibility'. The actress appeared on The One Show alongside co-star Sir Derek Jacobi to discuss the film, which delves into the unlikely friendship between Moss and renowned artist Lucian Freud.
Behind the Biopic
The film, set for release on May 29, follows the relationship that blossomed after Moss, then 28, agreed to sit for a portrait by Freud in 2002. The painting was later sold for £3.9 million in 2005. Bamber, 29, portrays the young Moss, while Jacobi, 87, plays Freud, who passed away in 2011 at age 88.
Speaking about her preparation, Bamber admitted she was 'terrified' to get the role right, spending extensive time mastering Moss's laugh, voice, and catwalk movements. 'It was really frightening, and I felt like I had a responsibility to do her justice,' she told hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp. 'The voice was something I really spent a lot of time stewing over... her laugh was really a gateway into her.'
Bamber worked with a vocal coach and studied Moss's mannerisms and movements. She also wore a dress lent by Moss herself, which the supermodel had worn for her 30th birthday. 'I am pretty clumsy so I was definitely terrified... I was so worried about this dress, it's so precious and such a piece of fashion history,' Bamber added.
Premiere and Missing Star
Despite serving as an executive producer on the biopic, Moss was notably absent from the star-studded premiere at London's Selfridges. The film depicts key moments from her early career, including a near-fatal car crash and cocaine use. Bamber noted that the project allowed Moss to reflect on her past, calling it 'a coming of age story for her.'
Moss had attended a party for the film in October 2025 with her daughter Lila and Jacobi, but she skipped the red carpet event. Meanwhile, reports suggest Moss is being considered for a Netflix docuseries, following the success of similar projects on Victoria Beckham and Kylie Minogue. A production company is reportedly pitching the idea, hoping Moss will agree to participate despite her famously private nature.
The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
