Phoebe Waller-Bridge auditioned for ‘Downton Abbey’ – but she was turned down.
The ‘Fleabag’ actress may have a number of awards under her belt across both film and television but not everyone is willing to give her a part at the drop of the hat as she has admitted she once tried her luck on the period drama, which ran from 2010 until 2015, but was told she wasn’t successful because she’s so funny.
Speaking to ‘The Hollywood Reporter’, she said: "I went in, and I remember it was quite a serious part and I had really been auditioning for comedy for a couple of years and I was really thrilled to come in for this part, so I put my heart and soul into it.
"I went in thinking, ‘I’m going to give my best, sincere, heartbreaking performance’. It was a really beautiful scene in a church; there’s a little clue.
"And I went in and I gave this really heartfelt audition. And when I finished, they were like, ‘We had no idea she was so f**king hilarious!’ I had really given myself, and they’re like, ‘Oh, yeah, you’re not right’."
However, the 31-year-old actress could be about to land a major role as she’s reportedly impressed bosses so much recently that they’re thinking about making her the new female Doctor Who when Peter Capaldi departs the role later this year.
A source said recently: "Beeb bosses love Phoebe. They thought she did an amazing job with ‘Fleabag’ and is certainly one of the rising stars in TV and film.
"They see her as the perfect fit as a Time Lord and the first female Doctor Who."
Phoebe Waller-Bridge auditioned for Downton Abbey
