Fascinating Facts #54

Teen film The Fault in our Stars got a lot of people talking upon its release in 2014 following a controversial kissing scene set in the Anne Frank House. But the filmmakers made history as they became the first crew to ever be allowed to film within the house, albeit for only two hours on the first floor and outside entrances. Three other sets were meticulously built elsewhere to replicate all three floors of the building and the staircase where Hazel (Shailene Woodley) struggles for breath.

During a behind-the-scenes video for the season two DVD of Parks and Recreation, Chris Pratt – who played Andy Dwyer – joked about receiving a text from Steven Spielberg regarding a role in Jurassic Park 4. In a stunning twist of fate Pratt went on to land the main part in Jurassic World which broke box office records when it was released earlier this year. Move over Mystic Meg, Paranormal Pratt is in town.

According to ex-Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies, Helen Mirren has previously been offered parts in the sci-fi series but declined due to other commitments. Indeed, before Peter Capaldi was gifted the coveted role in 2013, Mirren was one of the favourites but insisted that she would never play the Doctor. However, she did add: "I'm so sick of that man with his girl sidekick... I could name at least ten wonderful British actresses who would absolutely kill in that role."

You'd think a lead role in BBC sitcom W1A would guarantee you access to New Broadcasting House if you forgot your pass. Apparently not, as Hugh Bonneville – who plays Ian Fletcher in the mockumentary – found out when, after a day's filming in the lobby, he tried to go back inside the building to get changed only to be stopped by a doorman. “No matter how much I tried to explain that I was part of this team that had been filming in his reception for three hours he wasn’t having any of it! I had to go and get a visitors pass…”

Dame Judi Dench is particularly proud of her starring role as M in the James Bond franchise. So much so that she even has the 007 theme tune as her mobile phone ring tone. Imagine her embarrassment on set when, just before filming, her phone blared out the iconic music. "I was deeply ashamed," joked Dench at the time, but we think it is rather M...using.