Rachel McAdams talks films, Bake Off and fears on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast

Rachel McAdams joined Scott Mills this morning to discuss her new film Send Help and favourite television shows.

Appearing on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Rachel spoke about her latest project, reflections on Mean Girls, and her enthusiasm for British television, creating a lively conversation that moved between career highlights and personal viewing habits.

Rachel revealed she is a devoted fan of The Great British Bake Off and Junior Bake Off, praising presenter Harry Hill and explaining how his humour influences her parenting approach.

“I love Harry Hill and sometimes I think, what would Harry Hill do, when I’m with my kids,” she said, sharing how the presenter’s playful style has become part of her family life.

Scott surprised Rachel during the interview by revealing that Prue Leith is leaving Bake Off, before introducing her to Claudia Winkleman after Rachel admitted she had only watched the United States version of The Traitors.

The conversation also featured a message from Margot Robbie, who contacted the programme after learning Rachel would be appearing, expressing excitement ahead of her own upcoming Radio 2 Breakfast Show visit promoting Wuthering Heights.

Rachel responded by sending Margot a question about filming in heavy rain, while recalling her own experiences working in challenging weather conditions on set.

She explained that filming wet scenes can be physically demanding and uncomfortable, telling Scott: “The water is often freezing cold and never warmed beforehand,” as she described the realities behind dramatic on-screen moments.

Reflecting on Mean Girls, Rachel admitted she never expected the film to achieve such long term cultural impact, but said she immediately wanted to be involved after reading the script.

She also spoke about her role in Eurovision Song Contest and her personal connection to the event, revealing her friends host an annual Eurovision party that she enjoys attending.

Despite her love of music, she admitted karaoke makes her uncomfortable and recalled once asking guests to leave a room so she could sing True Colours by Cyndi Lauper alone.

Speaking about her new film Send Help, Rachel explained she rarely takes roles in horror projects because she frightens easily, yet admitted she still finds scenes unsettling even when she knows what is coming.

“I still get scared watching it, even though I know where the jump scares are,” she said, discussing her reaction to the survival thriller, which follows her character stranded on an island.

Rachel added that as a child she often imagined being lost in the woods and credited her love of survival themed television, including Survivor, with shaping her interest in adventurous storytelling.

You can listen back to the full interview with Rachel McAdams on Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Scott Mills on BBC Sounds.