Dame Julie Walters says Dick Van Dyke has been able to dance "all day" on the set of ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ and is "full of energy".
The 67-year-old actress plays housekeeper Ellen in the reboot of ‘Mary Poppins’ – with Emily Blunt taking over from Dame Julie Andrews as the titular character – and the film sees Van Dyke returning as the old bank manager, which he played in disguise in the original 1964 movie.
Despite being 91, Van Dyke has been the life and soul of the shoot and Walters has loved working with him.
Speaking to the Metro newspaper, Walters said: "I play Ellen the housekeeper. I get to sing and fly! It’s fabulous. Emily Blunt is amazing as Mary Poppins and, of course, we had Dick Van Dyke play the old bank manager, who he played in disguise in the original film. He is amazing – 91 but so full of energy, dancing all day. He did say he was a bit stiff the next day but we all are if we’ve been dancing all day. A lovely man."
‘Mary Poppins Returns’ sees Jane and Michael Banks all grown up but after Michael suffers a personal loss, the enigmatic nanny Mary Poppins re-enters their lives along with the optimistic street lamplight Jack.
Using her unique magical skills, Mary Poppins tries to help the family rediscover the joy and wonder that is missing in their lives.
The film sees Walters starring alongside Blunt, Van Dyke, Ben Whishaw (Michael), Emily Mortimer (Jane), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Jack) and Meryl Streep (Topsy).
Walters is also set to reprise her role as Rosie Mulligan from the hit 2008 movie adaptation of ‘Mamma Mia!’ in the upcoming sequel and revealed she will be singing ‘I’ve Been Waiting For You’.
She said: "I’ve just finished filming that. We were on this beautiful island in Croatia. It was like heaven, not like work at all.
"I get to sing ‘I’ve Been Waiting For You’, a gorgeous ABBA number. And I do get some love action in this one but I keep my clothes on, you’ll be glad to know. I am sure the nation will be sighing with relief."
Dame Julie Walters says Dick Van Dyke is full of energy
