The producer of a hit TV show says Catherine Zeta-Jones’ breakout role came down to “pure good fortune” after he spotted her by chance.
Pip Burley, who worked on the ITV 90s comedy-drama The Darling Buds of May, recalled meeting the Hollywood star in the reception room of his final casting session.
He said he spotted “a beautiful girl” in a yellow dress and invited her to audition for Mariette, despite Jones only being in the building for a light entertainment programme.
“She was a lovely girl, and very smart,” Burley explained.
He also revealed that American actor Danny DeVito was once considered to play Pop Larkin, among other unexpected casting twists.
Burley, who also composed the theme song for the series, said he first spotted Swansea-born Jones on the musical 42nd Street as a second understudy.
“We were struck with her,” he told BBC Radio Wales.
