Girl on film: Agyness has swapped modelling for acting. Photo credit: Getty Images

Celebrity concierge • July 2015

A word with… Agyness Deyn

The English model-turned-actress started her working life in a fish and chip shop near Manchester, before appearing on the covers of American, Italian and British Vogue and in campaigns for Burberry and Vivienne Westwood. Agyness’ first major acting role sees her play a young woman with epilepsy in Electricity

Interview: Etan Smallman

Where in the world have you most enjoyed working?

When I was modelling, I was lucky to be able to travel the world. I went to countries I’d never been to before – China and parts of Africa. Tokyo stood out – it’s like another world. Particularly places like Yoyogi Park – where you see everything from young girls dancing to families picnicking – and the quirky neighbourhood of Harajuku with its crazy little shops.

Where’s the best place you’ve ever stayed?
The Nomad Hotel
 in New York. I like the European style of the rooms. It’s comfortable rather than modern, which makes me feel more at home.

What’s the roughest travelling you’ve ever done?
My time in Africa was quite unglamorous. I’ve been a few times, once with the RedCap Foundation to visit South African schools. We travelled long distances on not very good roads, journeys the locals walked every day. It put things into perspective.

India

Top of Agyness’s bucket list: Travelling around India by train

Where is top of your bucket list?
My mum and I talk about travelling around India, experiencing the culture, travelling on trains, going to the south of the country. I’ve heard it’s beautiful, especially the beaches.

What’s your favourite restaurant at home in Los Angeles?
Mozza
 – because I’m obsessed with its steak. The in-house steak rub is delicious and the meat falls off the bone. Once, I took the bone home for my dog and I have never seen her so possessed. I was like, “Dude, I understand, I’ve just eaten it.”

England

On the edge: Agyness is drawn to Britain’s coastline

Where do you like going back to?
England
. Moving away makes me realise how beautiful it is, so when I come back I want to explore. I often go to places by the coast, such as Broadstairs in Kent. I love visiting the Lake District to go walking and climbing. If I’m at my mum’s [in Rossendale, Lancashire], it’s only a few hours drive away.

What are your three packing essentials?
A great camera, a good book and comfortable walking shoes, because wherever I go, I like to walk around and explore.

Electricity is out now on DVD

This article has been tagged Opinion, Travel Tips