Love Actually, the holiday favorite that has won hearts around the world, wasn’t initially a hit for its lead actor Hugh Grant, who had a rather Grinch-like first impression of the film.

The 2003 romantic comedy has become a season staple and features an ensemble cast of Britain’s finest, including Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth and the late Alan Rickman.

Grant portrays the famous British Prime Minister who begins a charming romance with Natalie, an employee of 10 Downing Street, played by Martine McCutcheon.

With its mix of cheerful and melancholic tales against the backdrop of the Christmas season, “Love Actually” has enchanted audiences for almost two decades. To mark the film’s 20th anniversary, the cast recalled their experiences and revealed some behind-the-scenes feelings.

Emma Thompson shared a memory of watching the film with Hugh Grant, whose post-watching commentary was unexpectedly cynical.

“Hugh came up behind me as we walked out and said, ‘Is this the most psychotic thing we’ve ever experienced?'” Emma said during the reunion.

Surprised, Hugh asked, “Did I say that?” It seems that Love Actually isn’t exactly a sentimental treasure for Grant, who also admitted he’s unclear about the details of his character’s plot, reports the “Mirror.”

Speaking about the potential for a Love Actually sequel, Hugh told Digital Spy: “I don’t know. I’ve never thought about that before… I can’t even remember what happens in the movie. It’s been so long since I…” “I saw it. “You would have to remind me what happens next?”

Recalling his iconic dance sequence at 10 Downing Street, the star admitted the moment was “absolute hell”.

Meanwhile, Love Actually fans were embroiled in an online debate analyzing the political leanings of Hugh’s charming but nameless role as Prime Minister.

TikTok’s Harry shared his annual disagreement with his mother: “Is the amorous Prime Minister, played here by Hugh Grant, actually a Tory Prime Minister or a Labor Prime Minister? My mother and I were watching this film the other day and couldn’t agree. “I think he’s a Tory prime minister and she thinks he’s a Labor prime minister.

While the political party of Hugh Grant’s prime minister remains a mystery in the film, which was released in 2003 under Tony Blair’s Labor leadership, Harry claims that there are hidden remarks against the former prime minister that suggest that Grant’s prime minister may be after Blair came to power.

The comments on the post were full of speculative suggestions about the character’s party affiliation. Some were convinced that the portrait of Margaret Thatcher in his office was a clear sign of a Conservative prime minister.

On the other hand, some believed that his characterization was aimed at portraying a “third party” leader, making him a versatile figure for satire aimed at both the Labor Party and the Conservatives.

Opinions varied widely, with one observer commenting: “Tory. He gives David Cameron vibes.”

Another replied: “I don’t think his lover’s working class family would be the most happy if he was a Tory!” Meanwhile, a third suggested: “I think he’s a Tory but based on Blair.”