Letter to Downton writer was a game changer for aspiring Scots actress

She’s originally from the little Scottish island of Stronsay but Eilidh Fisher is now a world-wide name – thanks to The English Game, streaming on Netflix right now.

Before she was even 20, Eilidh had moved to LA and then London, and had contacted Downtown Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.

“I saw an advert for auditions in London for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in LA and my parents let me go down and I was successful. I spent 18 months in LA and, when I was finished, I came back to London and did a series of jobs, while I tried to contact people whose work I admired to ask for advice,” she said.

One of those was Julian Fellowes, who she wrote to via the House of Lords, where he is a peer.

© Netflix

“I loved Downton Abbey and think he’s a brilliant writer, but I never expected a response, so it was a shock when his wife sent me a postcard with his phone number. They then invited me to meet up. As far as I know, he put me up for the audition in The English Game – he’s been a real champion of me,” she said.

“When I walked on the set last summer in Manchester and saw who I was working with, I knew I needed to learn as much as I could,” said Eilidh.

There has been some criticism about the show’s title, considering it was Scots who were at the forefront of the fledgling game’s success.

“I understand that, but people should hold judgment, because the makers are aware of it,” she said. “When it comes to football, Scotland has a lot to be proud about.”