MIZZ MAG: Hey, Emma! You’re the voice of Princess Pea in the new flick ‘The Tale of Despereaux’. As you’re a big enough star to pick and choose your roles now, what made you say yes to this movie?
EMMA: Family films can still push boundaries, present challenging ideas and, most importantly, keep everyone entertained. It was just something really interesting, something different. I hope that directors will give me the chance to do something quite far away from Hermione.

MIZZ MAG: Is making sure you don’t get typecast in your ‘Harry Potter’ role what makes you pick certain films over others?
EMMA: That and just working with really interesting, talented people, I guess.

MIZZ MAG: Lonely Princess Pea becomes friends with Despereaux the mouse. Do you get much of a chance to chill out with your real-life mates? And if yes, what do you get up to?
EMMA: We hang out in Starbucks, we go and choose CDs, talk, go to each others’ houses-normal girlie stuff. I have a lot of guy friends, too. I love that I always know where I stand with them. I can be a bit of a boy when I’m with [lads]. But I also love fashion and make-up. I don’t have make-up on all the time but, when I want to, I have fun with my friends choosing clothes and putting nail polish on.

MIZZ MAG: When it comes to boyfriends, do you tend to have a type of lad you fancy?
EMMA: No, I’m not really into a particular type, but I do like boys who are into sports and love it when they speak two or three different languages. Yeah, that really does it for me.

MIZZ MAG: When you’re out and about in public, do you tend to get recognised a lot?
EMMA: Yeah, but whenever I go out, I just kind of play myself down a bit. It’s not too bad, I get people stop me and stuff, but I wouldn’t not go out just because a couple of people might stop me and ask for an autograph. That would just be awful! Some days I wish my life was simpler, but the rest of the time, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. After all, whose life is normal?

MIZZ MAG: Have you ever had any weird encounters?
EMMA: Recently, a woman took my arm, looked at me very seriously and said, ‘You’re quite pretty in real life.’ I didn’t quite know how to take it!

MIZZ MAG: Princess Pea teaches Despereaux to read in the film. Are you big on books in your own life?
EMMA: I’m currently trying to apply for uni, so reading lots and lots at home! I’ve started re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, too, in preparation for the start of filming in February, and I can’t put it down. Reading it for a second time has made it no less more addictive.

MIZZ MAG: What other hobbies do you have? Word is you’re pretty good at ping-pong....
EMMA: My parents played and they’re both really competitive. They never used to let me win, but I got quite good at it. Dan [Radcliffe] and Rupert [Grint] were quite taken aback that I could beat them. I think Rupert took it the worst.

MIZZ MAG: You were 11 when the first Harry Potter film came out, and now you’re 18. Do you ever wish your teenage years could have been a bit more normal?
EMMA: I wouldn’t want my childhood in show business to have been any different. I learned a lot of things, met tons of people from different places and had incredible experiences. It was just a bit different, but that’s OK. Of course, no one tells you how to handle fame or walk down the red carpet or answer questions about yourself. I just hope I get it right. I know I’ve been very lucky.

MIZZ MAG: You’re very rich and famous-ever find it hard to keep your feet on the ground?
EMMA: I have a really secure network of family and friends. My parents are both lawyers, and they have absolutely no interest in being part of the film industry. A lot of people find it hard to understand why I don’t want to be a full-time actress, but school life keeps me in touch with my friends. It keeps me in touch with reality. It makes me feel normal. Let’s be honest, I’ve got enough money that I never have to work again, but I’d never want that. Learning things keeps me motivated.

MIZZ MAG: You got straight A* and A grades in your GSCE’S-what are your plans for the future?
EMMA: I’ve applied to a few universities for next year, including several American ones. If I do go there, I’ll do a liberal Arts degree, but if I stay in the UK, I’ll do English Literature.