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Caprice Bourret on breaking stereotypes, embracing the festivities and her new feel-good Christmas film

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She started her career on the catwalk, but now Caprice Bourret is the queen of Christmas movies. Famous for her lingerie brand and her business empire, Caprice always dreamed of breaking into movies. But when casting directors failed to see past her modelling career, unstoppable Caprice decided to take matters into her own hands and start producing her own films.

“The whole point of me doing this initially was because people would stereotype me and say, ‘She’s a model, she can’t act,’” says Caprice, 54. “That’s OK, I’m not going to play the victim here. I’m so blessed with the career that I have and I’m so grateful. But you know what, sod it! I’ll do it myself. So that’s how it all came about to begin with. I love this whole world of acting.”

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Caprice’s new movie is called A Scottish Christmas Secret and airs this festive season on 5. Caprice plays a workaholic publisher called Tiffany who falls for one of her authors, while her close pal Patsy Kensit plays her sister Sophie. “Pats and I had such a giggle,” says Caprice. “She was brilliant. In the film we are sisters and we’re also business partners. She’s the face behind the product and my character does the workload, but they have such an amazing relationship. Patsy is such a great actress.”

Christmas movies are the perfect vehicle for Caprice as she’s obsessed with the festive season and is a lifelong romance fan.

“It looks like a winter wonderland at my house,” grins Caprice. “There is cottony fake snow everywhere. There must be seven Christmas trees all over the place. And I start with Christmas at the end of October. I love it.”

Working on Christmas movies also feeds Caprice’s soul. “What I love about what I’m doing now is that there’s such a feel-good, lighthearted vibe,” says Caprice. “Some of the TV shows that I’ve done in the past, it’s like after you watch them you just have to take a shower. You feel a bit toxic, but this just makes you feel good.”

When Caprice works on her movies, she’s involved in every element, from the script to the styling and the production. And she’s not afraid of hard work.

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“I’m a grafter,” says Caprice, who is mum to 12-year-old sons Jett and Jax. “I never had anything on a silver platter, I really had to work hard at it. These days, the kids are losing that work ethic. They want things handed to them. So I have the advantage there because my work ethic is out of this world. Whenever I start a production, I live it, I dream it, I am at it 24/7. I work very, very hard. The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

While the work is a reward in itself, Caprice isn’t ashamed to admit she likes money and what it can buy her.

The film she made last year – A European Christmas – sold to 25 countries and was watched by over 20 million people. “I’m very grateful because it’s such a tough space, even though there’s a lot of demand, but there’s a lot of competition as well,” says Caprice. “I’m really grateful for the response that we had and for the sales that we had. Basically, I love making money. It gives me my independence and it does make me happy.”

Caprice wants to provide a luxurious lifestyle for her children – but also for them to understand the value of hard work. “When I was 17, my mom said, ‘OK, Go get ’em! You’re a smart girl. You can do it.’ I know what it’s like to be living on bagels and cream cheese. And I know what it’s like owning a few houses and being able to not only have a good lifestyle and a good lifestyle for my kids, but also to give back.”

Charity is important at Christmas and Caprice believes in supporting others. She suffered with a benign brain tumour called a meningioma in 2017 and is now a big supporter of Brain Tumour Research. She also backs women’s and children’s charities.

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“I believe in God and I’m very religious,” says Caprice. “God has blessed me with this for a reason. Lots of celebrities in my position, they’ll jump on board with the charity, but I actually give my hard-earned money to a lot of the charities that I believe in.”

Caprice hopes her children find her work ethic inspiring. “I want to buy them everything, but I don’t,” says Caprice. “If they want to buy something then they better work harder at their chores. It’s important as well for my kids to see a grafter. And it’s import for them to see the passion that I have for it. The biggest way you inspire them is by who you are.”

Having said that, Caprice is pleased that her twins aren’t leaning towards showbiz. A few days on the set put paid to their acting ambitions.

Caprice, who is married to financier Ty Comfort, reveals how she initially allowed her children to take part in her films. “They’ve even starred in some of my movies,” says Caprice. “They wanted to be actors. And my husband said, ‘Are you crazy?’ and I said, ‘Sweetheart, trust me, there’s a method behind my madness.’”

Caprice’s hunch paid off, after a taste of showbiz, Jett and Jax decided that it wasn’t for them. “They said, ‘Mommy, we can’t stand this!’ And I said to my husband, ‘I told you so.’”

Kylie Minogue has shared a heartfelt post to the people of Australia following events at Bondi Beach today.

At least 12 people have been killed and 29 injured in an attack targeting a Jewish celebration at the popular beach in Sydney, Australian police have said.

Two individuals armed with guns opened fire on a crowd in the Archer Park area of Bondi Beach at 6.47pm local time on Sunday, New South Wales Police said.

Taking to Instagram, Kylie posted an all black background of mourning and alongside it shared: “My heart is with you Bondi” followed by a broken heart emoji.

Kylie is set to appear on Strictly Come Dancing this evening, in scenes filmed on Saturday night. Her fellow Australian Sefan Dennis also posted to social media in the wake of the tragedy.

The Neighbours actor shared with fans: “This madness needs to stop.”

Kylie moved back to Australia from the UK in 2021 after living in London for 30 years, using Melbourne as her base to be closer to family, though she still travels frequently for work.

Today’s attack in Sydney has been declared a terrorist incident targeting a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights, the force confirmed.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns told a press conference: “At approximately 6.47 this evening, two individuals began firing on crowded a group of families on Bondi Beach at Archer Park.

“I very sadly need to report that, as of now, there are at least 12 individuals that have been killed.

“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah, what should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.”

Mr Minns confirmed one of the alleged gunmen has been killed while the other is in police custody.

“Our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight,” he added.

“I can only imagine the pain that they’re feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday.

“It’s a responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period.”

Praising the actions of police and members of the public, Mr Minns told the press conference: “Tonight, saw extraordinary acts of personal courage and bravery from individuals in our community.

“And I think it’s worth remembering that in all of this evil, in all of this sadness, there are still wonderful, brave Australians that are prepared to risk their lives to help a complete stranger.”

Malcolm Lanyon, the commissioner of New South Wales Police said 29 people have been transported to various hospitals around the Sydney area, including two police officers.

“The condition of those officers and the others transported are serious, but there is a range of conditions,” Mr Lanyon said.

“Our thoughts, prayers and love go to all the families and all of those that were involved tonight.

“We know that there were many people there to celebrate a happy occasion, the celebration of Hanukkah, and there was well over a thousand people there when this took place.

“As a result of the circumstances of the incident tonight, at 9.36pm this evening, I declared this to be a terrorist incident.

“I have also authorised special powers under section Five and section six to ensure that if there is a third offender, and we are currently investigating, that at the moment, we will make sure that we prevent any further activity.

“I’m incredibly proud of the professionalism of our police and emergency service responders.

“We will focus to ensure that there is no further threat to the public.”

Mr Lanyon said that “several improvised explosive devices” have been found in a car at Bondi Beach linked to the deceased gunman.

He said: “Shortly after the shooting occurred, police located a vehicle in Campbell Parade at Bondi , which we believe has several improvised explosive devices.

“We have our rescue bomb disposal unit there at the moment working on that.”

Mr Lanyon added that the deceased offender had been known to the authorities, but there had been no “specific threat”.

He said: “What I said is that we are aware of the person. That does not mean there was any specific threat posed by that person.

“If the police had had intelligence there was a risk to the community or to this event, we would have taken significant action.”

Mr Lanyon has asked for calm to return to the communities affected following the shooting.

“This is a time where I want to make sure that there is no retribution.

“The police are investigating thoroughly. Allow the police to do our job.

“We will work closely with community, and I will continue to provide updates about the investigation as they go on.”

Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, also spoke at the conference in Canberra.

He said the Bondi Beach attack was “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism”.

“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith,” he said.

“An act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation, an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, and every Australian tonight will be like me, devastated on this attack on our way of life.

“There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it.

“Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith at this dark moment for our nation.

“Our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage.”

The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said the Metropolitan Police is increasing its visibility in Jewish communities ahead of any Hanukkah events in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack

In a post on X, Mr Khan said: “My thoughts and condolences – along with the rest of London – are with everyone affected by the horrific attack at Bondi Beach , Australia today.”

A statement from the force said: “At a time when London’s Jewish communities are coming together to begin the celebration of Hannukah, we know this attack will be the cause of not just terrible upset but also significant heightened concern about safety.

“We were already working closely with partners, including the Community Security Trust (CST), to provide an increased presence around synagogues and other community venues at this important time.

“While there is no information to suggest any link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London, this morning we are stepping up our police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand what more we can do in the coming hours and days.

“We always encourage the public to be vigilant at events and in public places. If you see anything suspicious, trust your instincts and tell us.”

Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is an eight-day festival of light usually observed in December.

The Prime Minister is understood to have been in touch with Mr Albanese and the CST, a charity which provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK.

Sir Keir Starmer said in a post on X: “Chanukah should be a time of celebration and joy.

“The news that the Bondi Beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening.

“My thoughts are with the victims and their families.

“The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community. We are actively working with the CST on the policing of Chanukah events.”

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has told any British people caught up in the Bondi Beach shooting to contact the consulate for support.

In a post on X, she said: “The scenes from Bondi Beach are deeply shocking and distressing.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected and Australia’s emergency services.

“British nationals should follow local police and authorities’ advice and can contact the British Consulate General Sydney for support.”

Ms Cooper is understood to be in touch with her Australian counterpart Penny Wong about the incident.