'It's so irrelevant': Lily James claims children are more interested in Cinderella's morals than her body after row over her tiny waist in new Disney film

PUBLISHED: 14:58, 19 March 2015 | UPDATED: 16:20, 19 March 2015

Disney has suffered criticism for the appearance of Cinderella's waist in the live-action film, but Lily James has said the issue is 'irrelevant'.

The actress spoke at a press conference along with cast members Richard Madden, Holliday Grainger and director Kenneth Branagh, wearing a chic leather top and wide-legged trousers.

'Why on earth are we focusing on something so irrelevant?' Lily, 25, said on Thursday ahead of the London premiere.

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Missing the point: Lily James says that criticism of her waist in Cinderella is irrelevant

Photoshopped? The $95million live-action fantasy ran in to controversy amid accusations that digital trickery had been used to alter the actress's waist to make it appear smaller

The actress - who wore a chic leather top with wide-legged trousers - said that the children she's met that have seen the film aren't interested in Cinderella's body rather the morals she lives by.

'I've had friends' kids and a little boy called Daniel, whose nine, who said "it's amazing how you promised your mum to be kind and good and you remembered it" that's the message,' Lily explained.

The $95million live-action fantasy ran in to controversy even before its release date amid accusations that digital trickery had been used to alter the actress's waist to make it appear smaller.

Lily James talks corsets and costumes on set of Cinderella

Focus: The actress - who wore a chic leather top with wide-legged trousers - said that the children she's met that have seen the film aren't interested in Cinderella's body rather the morals she lives by

London: Lily joined cast and crew at a press conference for the Disney film at Claridge's Hotel

This was denied by Walt Disney Pictures, and after taking $70million at box offices across the US in its opening weekend, some viewers took to Twitter to voice their concerns.

Rochelle Schattner wrote: 'Boycott #Cinderella by Disney for making Cinderella's waist disturbing to look at and setting up unrealistic expectations.'

Another Twitter user, Kyla, said: 'What I gleaned from the new Cinderella is that if you're docile and nice to rats, you too can have a waist the circumference of a Coke can.'

'I don't understand what the concerns are actually,' said costume designer Sandy Powell, 'Lily does have a small waist, but so do all the other girls in the film.

'All the girls in the film wore corsets because that's what you wear with period clothes it creates the silhouette for the period. Lily's dress in particular is an optical illusion the diameter of the skirt and the width [on the shoulders] and that really does make the waist smaller than it actually is.'

Producer Allison Shearmur said that people are 'paying attention to the opposite themes of the movie, which is your sense of beauty and strength is on the inside.'

Backlash: Some complained that Cinderella's small waist was not 'setting a positive example for girls in today's society

Controversy: Twitter users have gone online to question the size of the lead character's waistline

A review of the film by vox.com was also critical of Cinderella's tiny waist.

'What's crazy about this version is that Cinderella ends up with a supernaturally thin waist, thanks to a corset that James has complained wouldn't let her swallow whole foods,' the review said.

'Is it just me, or is the animated Cinderella's waist actually slightly larger? And even if it's not, it's still weird to try to get an adult human being down to cartoon proportions.

'The message seems clear. On the most magical night of her life, Cinderella's waist is size negative two.'

Lucky break: Richard Madden told MailOnline he 'wouldn't have been cast' as Prince Kitt if it was singing role

The film has been praised for its visual similarities to the original animation, though one aspect it missed was the inclusion of the classic songs.

Lily and Holliday told MailOnline they would have loved to sing but Richard, who plays Prince Kitt, wasn't so sure about his vocal talents.

'I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have got cast!' the Scottish actor joked.

'I would have still done it for sure! I would have loved it' Lily exclaimed before turning to director Kenneth Branagh and asking him 'in fact, why wasn't there songs?'

Classic: The film is based on the 1950s animation of the same name, and has been praised for its visual symmetry

'Saving it for the sequel,' Branagh replied before explaining, 'the Disney animated film was full of singing and lots and lots of cats and mouse action, and we have so much else going on in the movie it just felt the natural way to go.

'We do have this sensational score, by Patrick Doyle so in my view we do have a strong musical element.'

'I would have loved doing it with music, but I'm pretty sure Ken wouldn't have wanted me to sing!' Holliday, who plays step-sister Anastasia, chuckled.

Cinderella hits UK cinemas on March 27

Cinderella comes to life in new live-action movie trailer