A rising Liverpool star said she was "blown away" to make her silver screen debut in Aftersun.
The heartbreaking drama was released to universal acclaim last year and follows a young woman piecing together her childhood memories of a summer holiday with her dad. Kayleigh Coleman played Jane in the film, who is part of a group that befriends the main character, Sophie, at the fading Turkish resort.
The 21-year-old from Walton told the ECHO she was proud to have been a part of such a significant film. She said: "I still have to pinch myself because when I got the job I didn't think it would have worldwide success.
READ MORE: Loose Women's Christine Lampard 'grateful' as she's flooded with supportive messages
"I'm so honoured to be a part of something so important that tackles issues like people's mental health and addressing sexuality." Kayleigh appears in the film alongside Paul Mescal, who has been widely praised for his portrayal of struggling single dad, Calum.
The 27-year-old has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his powerful performance and Kayleigh said the recognition couldn't be more deserved. She said: "Seeing him do what he does is just incredible and I'd absolutely love to work with him again."
The Irish actor has enjoyed a stratospheric rise to the top and Kayleigh heaped praise on her co-star as she revealed he hasn't been changed by fame. She said: "He's so humble and even when I see him at the afterparties or at an awards ceremony, he is the same. You sometimes think people who are so incredibly talented would forget you but he just doesn't."
Kayleigh enjoyed a strong bond with Paul on set and was boosted by an inspiring message she received from him on the last day of shooting. She told the ECHO: "We all had t-shirts to sign to keep as memorabilia and I remember he wrote on it, 'you have such a wonderful way about you, remember to keep hold of that.'
"I just thought that was so lovely. In this industry people feel like they need to change or be a certain way but I feel like the only thing you can be is yourself and that is enough."
Aftersun masterfully captures the reality of being on an all inclusive resort in the 90s as Kayleigh's character is involved in a teenage holiday fling in the film. The movie was filmed on location in Turkey and Kayleigh said her proud mum screamed with joy when she found out she was jetting off for the shoot.
She told the ECHO: "You know what Scouse mums are like, she was just absolutely over the moon." Kayleigh shares a strong connection with her mum, Kelly Johanson, and credits the sacrifices she made to support her acting journey.
She said: "My mum is incredible. She's always been my biggest cheerleader. She will always tell me 'do the things that you don't believe you can do because they're the things that I always wanted you to do."
Aftersun is Kayleigh's first film credit after years of hard work gaining valuable experience in theatre. She was studying at the acclaimed Rare Studio Liverpool when she found out she landed the role and is now continuing her education at prestigious acting school, Rose Bruford.
Kayleigh is determined to not rest on her laurels as she looks forward to what the future holds. She said: "The dream is to finish with a first at drama school and go on to do more, but I'm one of these people who takes things as they come and the world works in mysterious ways."
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
For more celeb news, videos and pictures follow our designated Facebook page HERE
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis' word of warning to anyone with Virgin Media
B&M brings back Ninja air fryer dupe that costs 18p per hour to run
BBC Breakfast hosts in disbelief after Scouser's surprise Eurovision admission
