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Lily James defends Cinderella’s tiny waist

James as Cinderella in the 2015 Disney remake.

James as Cinderella in the 2015 Disney remake.

Actress Lily James has been forced to defend herself in the wake of criticism she appears “too thin” in the new Cinderella remake.

James, who stars as the fairytale princess, said the furore surrounding her tiny waist was detracting from the message of the film.

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Speaking to the UK’s Burton Mail, the 25-year-old said, “I feel like I’ve got to go: ‘I’m sorry I’ve got a small waist’.”

“It’s a shame, because it’s not what the film is about.”

James as Cinderella in the 2015 Disney remake.

James as Cinderella in the 2015 Disney remake.

The controversy started when promotional material for the film featured James looking notably petite, prompting many to question whether her body had been digitally altered.

But James insists the size of her waist is an optical illusion caused by her structured costume.

“I have naturally a quite small waist,” James told Nightline.

“And on top of that I have a corset that was pulled me into the inch of my life.”

“And then the skirt is so big that the perspective and the proportions make it look smaller than it is.”

The costume whittled James, who is tall and slim, down to a 17-inch (43cm) waist.

On top of that, the actress – who found fame on Downton Abbey – stuck to a healthy lifestyle during filming.

“With Cinderella, I did loads of yoga, because I wanted to feel graceful, and it was also to do with meditation and feeling centred,” James added of her pre-film exercise regime.

“Basically I stop drinking beer and start drinking vodka!”

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