Inside Simone Ashley’s dream summer filming 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'

Simone Ashley has opened up about what she calls a “masterclass in acting” after starring alongside Hollywood royalty Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci in The Devil Wears Prada 2.

The 31-year-old Bridgerton star plays Amari Mari, the ambitious first assistant to icy Runway boss Miranda Priestly, and says filming the long-awaited sequel gave her “one of the best summers” of her life.

Speaking to Vogue, Simone said much of her time was spent working closely with Streep and Tucci as the production moved between New York’s busy streets, studio sets recreating the iconic Runway offices, and glamorous locations in Milan.

“I was mainly with Meryl and Stanley,” she said. 

“It was crazy filming in Manhattan. I learned so much just watching them. They’re masters of their craft.”

Simone admitted the experience felt like an informal acting school. 

“It genuinely felt like a masterclass,” she said, praising the cast and crew for bringing the sharp, stylish world of The Devil Wears Prada back to life.

Filming in New York was particularly unforgettable, with huge crowds often gathering on set. 

“It felt like theatre at times, with thousands watching,” she laughed, adding that she even moved to the city ahead of production and “never looked back.”

Despite her rising fame from Sex Education and Bridgerton, she insists she stays grounded. 

The actress, who has Tamil Indian heritage, also spoke about representation in Hollywood, saying progress is being made but there is still “a long way to go” for diversity on screen.

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