In a revelation that has left fans of a beloved festive film reeling, actor Jude Law has confessed that one of the most iconic settings from the Christmas classic The Holiday was entirely fabricated. The shocking admission was made during a BBC Radio 2 interview, leaving presenter Zoe Ball audibly stunned.
The Festive Film's Big Secret
The interview, originally recorded in November 2024 and recently shared by Radio 2 on Instagram, saw Law reflect on his role in the 2006 romantic comedy. The film, a staple of Christmas watch-lists, follows American Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and British journalist Iris (Kate Winslet) as they swap homes across the Atlantic to escape festive heartbreak, ultimately finding love.
Central to the plot is the picturesque Surrey cottage that Amanda moves into, a chocolate-box vision of English country life that has captivated audiences for nearly two decades. However, Law revealed the charming Rosehill Cottage is a complete ruse. "That cottage doesn't exist!" he declared, as comedian Kerry Godliman enquired if it could be rented on Airbnb.
A Director's Perfectionism and a Constructed Illusion
Law explained that the film's director, Nancy Meyers, a noted perfectionist, had scoured the Surrey area for the ideal location but could not find what she envisioned. Her solution was remarkably hands-on. "She just hired a field, and drew it, and had someone build it," Law stated, confirming that only the exterior was constructed for the shoot.
The actor further dismantled the illusion by detailing the disjointed filming process. The exterior scenes were shot in a British winter, but every time he walked through the cottage door, the cameras stopped. The cosy interior scenes audiences adore were actually filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles approximately three months later.
Bursting the Bubble and Lasting Inspiration
The revelation proved too much for host Zoe Ball, who exclaimed, "We don’t want to hear anymore. We can’t bear it." Kerry Godliman echoed the sentiment, calling the news "very upsetting." A sheepish Law could only reply, "Just burst the bubble, sorry."
Despite the cottage itself being a fiction, filming did take place in the genuine Surrey villages of Shere and Godalming. The design was inspired by Honeysuckle Cottage in Holmbury St Mary, a property later sold in 2021 and now available as an Airbnb.
This is not the first time The Holiday has faced scrutiny for its unrealistic details. Fans and LA natives have previously mocked an infamous scene where Kate Winslet's character takes an implausibly scenic Pacific Coast Highway route from LAX to Beverly Hills, a journey that would not feature ocean views.
Nevertheless, the disclosure about the non-existent cottage stands as one of the most surprising behind-the-scenes secrets from the film, proving that even the most perfect festive fantasies are carefully crafted illusions.
