British fans of Ariana DeBose could have their Wish granted as the American Oscar winner has asked for help finding somewhere to live in London.
The West Side Story actress, who made her name on Broadway and voices the main character in Disney’s latest animation, has spoken of her love of the English capital.
She told Radio Two breakfast host Zoe Ball that she had quizzed Bridgerton and Barbie actress Nicola Coughlan about London districts.
“I was like, where do you live, tell me about your neighbourhood,” DeBose said on a visit to the UK this week to coincide with the Wish premier.
“I would love to come here and spend a significant amount of time.”
The Hamilton actress even gave a hint as to her preferred part of the capital, urging listeners: “Find me a flat in Notting Hill — it sounds picturesque.”
Living in Notting Hill
Notting Hill was put on the international map by the 1999 romcom named after the bohemian West London district.
Richard Curtis, the director behind the film, reportedly sold his own house in the neighbourhood last year — but its allure lives on.
The district has seen a five-fold rise in house prices since the Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts vehicle shone a spotlight on it, according to Hamptons.
As well as hosting the iconic Notting Hill Carnival every August, the area has a vibrant art and music scene as celebrated by DJ Linett Kamala earlier this year.
Famous residents have included Stella McCartney, Adele and Ed Sheeran, with Robbie Williams in nearby Holland Park.
Homes in Notting Hill sold for an average of £1.6m in the past year, according to Rightmove.
'I am always happy in London'
DeBose, who reportedly has an apartment in New York City as well as a country home in the same state, appeared live at the London Palladium in April.
“I say yes to things without realising their magnitude,” she told Ball.
“When I first walked into the Palladium, I thought oh my God, what have I done? But it was so wonderful, the audience was incredible and they really got me and held me. I am so grateful.”
Despite causing a stir with an extraordinary specially written rap at the British Academy Film Awards earlier this year, deactivating a social media account in the wake of the response, DeBose remains enamoured with London.
“I feel very grounded here — there is an energy I understand,” she said.
“I am always happy [in London], I can think and I love the diversity of the place, I love how it moves. I love the food – I had some fabulous Indian food the other night, it was so good.”
In fact the 32-year old, who was born in North Carolina, has gone so far as to simulate being English on trips across the Atlantic.
“Every time I come to London, I adopt a cute little accent,” she says. “I pretend to be British. I can hear the eye rolls but it’s really fun.
“I really want to move to London, I’ve been telling anyone who will listen.”
