Cameron Diaz, Matthew Morrison and co-stars tell EMILY ROBERTS about their new film What to Expect When You're Expecting (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Cameron Diaz, Matthew Morrison and co-stars tell EMILY ROBERTS about their new film What to Expect When You're Expecting

10:38am Wednesday 6th June 2012 in Leisure By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

CAMERON Diaz spent hours with a very realistic prosthetic baby bump attached to her middle for her new film What to Expect When You're Expecting.

But the 39-year-old said being 'pregnant' in the film didn't unleash feelings of broodiness.

Cameron was at a press conference in London to answer questions about her character Jules - a celebrity fitness coach who finds herself pregnant with her reality television dance partner Evan, played by Matthew Morrison.

The actress very sweetly answered questions about not yet starting a family, but there was a definite twinge of annoyance in her voice.

As she so expertly put it: “I'm nearly 40 years-old so I didn't have to do a movie to inform me how I feel about children. I kind of knew already.”

She labelled those who ask women such questions as being “uncomfortable”, adding: “A lot of people have kids because they think it's what you have got to do and then find out it really changes your life. For me, I know it changes your life and I really enjoy my life and haven't wanted it to change so that's why I haven't had children.

"I have never really lived inside the box that everyone wants you to fit inside of. And I think that's why people ask that question because they are uncomfortable with me being outside that box. We all live differently and I choose to live this way.

“They ask that question to a woman my age because, you know, 'your clock is ticking.' But this film shows you can have a family any way you want to.

"You don't have to have a family only by having your own child - there are plenty of children out there who need to be adopted.”

Cameron said having a family is not out of the question one day, whether through adoption, or having her own baby.

She described the baby bump attached to her in the film as an “amazing piece of art” which was sculptured and moulded from her body.

But in order for the actresses to ensure absolute accuracy in her portrayal of a woman in late pregnancy, a midwife who had delivered over 1,000 babies was brought on set to watch for any unnatural movements.

Babies of just 14 days old were used in the production, often covered in gelatine to make them appear as if they had just been born.

Matthew said: “There were very strict rules. You can maybe only have them for 15 minutes at a time.”

The film was inspired by the guide of the same name, which has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide. Its cast features a host of big stars including Jennifer Lopez, Chris Rock, Chace Crawford, and even a cameo appearance from Cheryl Cole.

It follows five couples with very different experiences of pregnancy or becoming a parent. And, although it's a comedy, it also covers big issues such as adoption and miscarriage.

Anna Kendrick, who plays Rosie, said this was what attracted her to the film. Her character finds herself unexpectedly pregnant following a moment of passion.

She said: “I was pleasantly surprised they went to some of the places they did, particularly with our storyline.”

She described the film as “candid and brave” for covering such deep topics in what is “essentially a light-hearted film.”

The actors at the press conference praised Cheryl for her small role, playing a judge in a celebrity dance competition.

Cameron said she did a “great job” and added: “She was a lot of fun; she brought great energy to the set. She was calm and cool, as if that's what she does. I think she was wonderful and I had a great time with her, and yes, I understood what she said!”

For Matthew, the film was his first big film role away from Glee. I asked him if he hopes people will see him as an actor away from his character Will Schuester, for which he is best known.

He said: “I know they won't. I hope so; I would love to do more stuff that will push me as an actor.

"I love doing films. I love the fact there's a beginning, middle and an end and you can see where the story starts and where it ends up.

"Television is open ended - you don't know where your character will end up.”