As a general rule, Christmas hasn't begun until you've watched Love Actually at least once.

Richard Curtis's 2003 film – with its gorgeous performances from Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and more – still captures the hearts of movie-lovers everywhere 12 years on.

From that Joni Mitchell song to Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon's sweet love story ('W-w-would we call her chubby?'), there is so much to love.

And last night we got a very special look behind-the-scenes, all thanks to Richard Curtis's wife, Emma Freud, who just so happened to be heavily involved with the production process herself.

She, Richard and their son were at a New York cinema for a midnight screening of the film, which incidentally only attracted four other audience members. Awks.

But Emma kept herself entertained with some epic anecdotes and production tales via Twitter. Here are a few of the film's best kept secrets…

1. Emma's mum played Hugh Grant's Downing St housekeeper

Remember the housekeeper in the hugh grant arriving at Downing Street line up? That was my mum. And still is. #loveactually

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

2. London really is that beautiful

Looks like the shots of london are green screen. But I was there and they weren't.

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

3. Basically everyone is in agreeance that Karl is breathtakingly gorgeous

Oh wow had forgotten – Karl is ridiculously good looking. I mean… Too good looking. Like… Crazy levels of handsome. #LoveActually

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

I would. I didn't. #LoveActually pic.twitter.com/mLZqUUKEua

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

4. That genius Rowan Atkinson scene? It was filmed at a VERY quiet time

Oh brilliant. Here comes Rowan. Filmed at midnight in selfridges.

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

5. And apparently he took so long wrapping that gift for a reason (originally, anyway)

Originally Rowan's character over-wrapped the gift on purpose to stop Alan rickman being able to buy the necklace. Because he was an angel.

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

6. And those sex stand-in scenes could have been a LOT more awkward

Just incase you were worried, martin freeman had a little sock on his willy. #LoveActually

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

7. January Jones? Gas craic, it would seem.

January jones wrote half of her lines. She was sooooo funny when we filmed that scene. #LoveActually

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

8. Colin Firth's character was named 'Jamie' for the best reason ever

Richard only called colin firth's character 'jamie' so the kids could say 'I hate uncle jamie'. His brother is called jamie. #LoveActually

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

9. Hugh Grant wasn't always Hugh Grant

I stood in for hugh in the reverses when we filmed him knocking at the door of the house where the children dance. #LoveActually

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

10. Second Lobster was played by someone very special…

When the children song at the school concert… My daughter is the second lobster! The. Second. Lobster. My. Daughter. #LoveActually

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

THAT IS SCARLETT CURTIS THERE ON THE RIGHT. NOT EVEN JOKING. #LoveActually pic.twitter.com/BjsVMMXOD3

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

11. As was the adorable Wise Man/Spiderman

AND THIS IS JAKE. I gave birth to him. #LoveActually pic.twitter.com/4aEslmgA6E

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

13. Yes, Olivia Olson really IS that good at singing

Girl who does the Mariah carey song was actually singing even though everyone thinks she is miming to Mariah. On Disney channel now.

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

14. Colin Firth had a KISSING CONSULTANT for that restaurant smooch

My biggest moment coming up. In the restaurant in Portugal (was Marseille actually). I WAS THE KISSING CONSULTANT. and that is a real job.

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

I 'designed' the kiss between colin firth and the Portuguese girl. My signature move? His thumb on her lip before they snog. #boom

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015

 

15. And those were indeed real airport reunions at the start and end

And the bits at the beginning and the end of the film at Heathrow airport with real people…. I edited those. Me. I did them. Best bits.

— emma freud (@emmafreud) December 13, 2015