Kate Winslet reveals she has become an avid fossil hunter while preparing for her new film Ammonite

She’s best known for her star turn in period drama Titanic.

And Kate Winslet told the audience at a Natural History Museum talk on Saturday that her latest role in Ammonite has led her to uncover a new historical passion: fossil hunting.

The actress, 45, portrays real-life English palaeontologist Mary Anning in the film, directed by Francis Lee, which sees her embark on a secret relationship with Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan).

As part of her research while preparing for the role, the Oscar-winner learned the craft from real-life researchers.

According to The Mirror, she said: ‘I worked with a wonderful palaeontologist and he knows every nook and cranny.

‘I did also find a piece of an ichthyosaur’s skull and was able to identify it. I was very proud of myself.

‘It was really exciting. It was almost at the waterline as the tide had gone out – tucked away in a rock pool.’

The plot of Ammonite centres around the famous paleontologist, who becomes involved in a forbidden romance with Saoirse’s character after they are sent to convalesce by the sea together. 

Gemma Jones, James McArdle and Fiona Shaw also star in the film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to mixed reviews in September 2020.

Kate recently revealed her confidence was crushed when she was subject to cruel comments about her weight early in her career.

Speaking to The Guardian, the star recalled: ‘In my 20s, people would talk about my weight a lot. And I would be called to comment on my physical self. Well, then I got this label of being ballsy and outspoken. No, I was just defending myself.’

Asked if the remarks about her weight had any impact, Kate revealed: ‘It damaged my confidence. 

‘I didn’t want to go to Hollywood because I remember thinking, ‘God, if this is what they’re saying to me in England, then what will happen when I get there?’