WHY LESLEY PREFERS RAGS TO RICHES . . .

LESLEY manville says it was easier playing Ada, a cleaning woman, than portraying Princess margaret in the Crown.

Manville takes the title role in the heartwarming film mrs harris Goes to Paris, an adaptation of the beloved 1958 Paul Gallico novel.

Manville, 66, said: ‘It is in my bones. that was the life I knew, because I had working- class parents. It’s been more of a stretch when I’m playing someone like Princess margaret, because I had no knowledge of that life.’

The film, out here next month, tells the story of widowed Ada, a hard-working housekeeper who decides she wants to spend her life savings on a dior dress, after seeing one being worn by a wealthy client.

She scrimps and saves ( and gambles at the dog track) to raise enough money and finally arrives at dior’s Avenue montaigne headquarters, where she charms everyone.

The fairy tale is complete when she moves to Paris and starts making some changes — for the better — at the fashion house.

Manville reflects: ‘I didn’t know the book at all. It came to me as an offer, so it was nice to read it, knowing it was mine if I wanted it.’

Manville got on so well with co- star Isabelle huppert that the pair are now thinking about doing a play together. manville said: ‘She’s got such style, which appeals to me, because we both love clothes.’

She admitted she ad- libbed various lines in the film, including exclaiming ‘Gordon Bennett!’ and observing that things had gone ‘t**s up’ — both of which may prove slightly puzzling for international audiences.