Whether you're a fan or not, Love Actually has cemented its place as a Christmas classic that will feature on many festive watch lists for years to come. However, what many fans may not know is that the film was originally intended to be quite different.
The 2003 movie, directed by Richard Curtis, follows eight main couples whose lives intersect in various ways in the days leading up to Christmas. Its star-studded cast includes Hugh Grant as the Prime Minister, Emma Thompson and the late Alan Rickman as married couple Karen and Harry, and Andrew Lincoln as Mark, a man deeply in love with his best friend's new wife Juliet (Kieran Knightley).
The romantic comedy, recently voted the UK's favourite feel-good film, was actually meant to include a supernatural being with special powers who could change the characters' lives. It might seem far-fetched, but if you look closely, you can spot hints of a supernatural plot scattered throughout the film.
So, who was this supernatural character supposed to be? Love Actually script editor Emma Freud took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to reveal the truth about one of the film's most cherished characters, reports the Mirror.
Rowan Atkinson's character Rufus, a jewellery salesman, is introduced to viewers when Harry (Rickman) spots a gold necklace he wishes to purchase for his secretary during a shopping trip with his wife. Rufus offers to gift wrap the item and then proceeds with an elaborate wrapping routine that involves placing it in a box, within a bag, and even adding cinnamon sticks.
Long-time fans have pondered why Rufus took such an age to wrap the gift, particularly as Harry was pressing him to hurry. Emma has now shed light on the matter, explaining to fans: "Originally Rowan's character over-wrapped the gift on purpose to stop Alan Rickman being able to buy the necklace. Because he was an angel."
As the film unfolds, we see that despite Rufus' efforts, Harry manages to buy the necklace and give it to his secretary, while his wife receives a Joni Mitchell CD. If Rufus had remained an angel as first planned, one of the movie's most poignant moments, when Karen discovers the necklace wasn't meant for her, wouldn't have happened.
Even though Rufus' character took a different turn, his benevolent actions are still evident in the movie. He makes a crucial reappearance at the airport towards the end, where he distracts a staff member, enabling Thomas Brodie-Sangster's character Sam to catch up with Joanna (Olivia Olson) and declare his feelings.
Following the revelation about the original plan for Rufus, one enthusiast remarked: "That scene makes much more sense with that 'explanation' now," while another exclaimed: "OMG I KNEW IT! My husband and my family never believe me when I say he was a Christmas angel! Rowan Atkinson FTW!"
