Those familiar with casting processes will know all about “chemistry tests”, when potential lead actors audition together to see if they can create an authentic relationship for the cameras. Typically, it’s the romantic leads chemistry-testing (interesting sidenote - it’s almost always the male actor that’s cast first, while a female rosta roll up to test against him!) HOWEVER, in the magnificent @bbciplayer adaptation of @dollyalderton memoir #everythingiknowaboutlove , the glorious and entirely authentic love story at the heart of the story is one of female friendship. And I don’t think any chemistry test had ever been such a success as when casting @belpowley and @emmajappleton in the lead roles of Maggie and Birdy. I defy any woman watching their performances - as childhood best friends growing up and growing apart - not to recognise themselves and their mates in a wormhole of nostalgic bliss and agony. They are sublime and adorable and frustrating , and it was a joy to spend the day with them on set doing it all over again for our cover shoot (without the frustrating bit!) . Read the story by @pandorasykes and remember the joy of best friendships 👯‍♀️ . . . @portermagazine @netaporter @belpowley @emmajappleton @kelly0n @marquessawhyte @sabinakhanstylist @es.robertson @kittyhlawrence @robbiegbullough @alcaselyhayford @chiaramestre @kayabarron @olivesw @lizziejefferies @bbc @ddapersonalpublicity @carynleeds