They’re the new generation of British actresses – and we think they’re going to be BIG. But just remember who introduced you to these starlets-in-the-making…

It's a beautiful January morning in Mayfair when seven of Britain's hottest young actresses arrive for the Stella shoot. In a matter of minutes the room is buzzing with the snap of stilettos, the purr of hairdryers and excited debate over make-up styles and the merits of Manolos. Pick of the bunch (left to right): Natalie Dormer, Jaime Winstone, Rebecca Hall, Sophia Myles, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Clemency Burton-Hill and Claire-Hope Ashitey

These girls are the next generation of British women in film and - thanks to the success of Dame Judi Dench, Dame Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet - everyone now knows that's a class to be reckoned with.

Today, dreams of following in the footsteps of this remarkable trio are wistfully aired, and these seven may well stand a chance. Sophia Myles looks pure Hollywood as she poses, siren-like, for the camera; Jaime Winstone and Claire-Hope Ashitey are still flushed with the thrill of their films' BIFA and Oscar nominations. And next year's projects are already underway.

Natalie Dormer, 23 - The princess
Natalie Dormer was barely out of drama school when Lasse Hallström picked her to play Casanova's wife in the eponymous Heath Ledger and Sienna Miller movie. (Ledger, she discovered, is very good at chess.) The director was so impressed that he expanded her role, and Disney offered her a three-part deal on the back of it.

It wasn't always thus. Dormer has keen memories of being bullied through school, saying that 'still to this day I can't place why. I'd actually love to meet myself as a kid and see if I could figure it out.' Her next role is as Anne Boleyn - not a lady to be trifled with - in The Tudors: a glossy, £15-million series shot for the American cable giant Showtime. Sky and the BBC are said to be tussling over British rights to the series, so watch this space. Dormer is already tipped to be the show's break-out star.

Dream date: The folk singer Seth Lakeman. Or any country musician who lives in Dartmoor, really.
Dream dinner: I'm crazy about sushi at the moment
Favourite film: La Reine Margot
Inspiration: Cate Blanchett

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