Polly Walker "didn't anticipate" the success of 'Bridgerton'

Polly said: "I didn't anticipate it would be Netflix's most successful show ever. I love playing Lady Portia Featherington but I try not to have any expectations about anything I do.

"We start filming the second series in April and I've started on fittings and rehearsals."

The 'Pennyworth' star also explained how she has been "puritanical" with her diet during the latest lockdown to make sure she can fit into her costumes for the new series.

She added: "I can't let myself go too much – I've had to rein it in.

"During the first lockdown I drank too much rose, ate too much sourdough bread and didn't get out of my tracksuit. This lockdown I've gone all puritanical. I've got to re-enter society and go back to work, so I've had to pull myself together.

"I did the whole dry January and just continued. I've not gone anywhere near sourdough bread and I've started wearing jeans again, so things are looking up."

And 'Bridgerton' isn't Polly's first foray into star-studded works, as she also starred with Harrison Ford in the 1992 film 'Patriot Games' and recalled how she was "struck dumb" with the acting legend.

She explained to Metro newspaper: "I was in 'Patriot Games' with Harrison Ford. I sat close to him in the green room and I was struck dumb. I don't think I said a word to him. He was very cool and down-to-earth but I was unable to communicate, unfortunately."