kind-hearted, Daphne tries her best to fit in with her father's world, but ultimately finds out that she is happy for who she truly is. Colin Firth as Henry Dashwood. Daphne's biological father and Libby's former love. First appearing as stuffy, Henry is a kind man who buries his own eccentric, carefree life style in the favor of keeping up appearances. Although he previously thinks that Libby left him for someone else, he is still in love with her. At first shocked that he has a daughter, Henry warms up to Daphne and ultimately realizes that he needs her and Libby in his life. Kelly Preston as Libby Reynolds. Daphne's compassionate and supportive mother and the love of Henry's life, who works as a wedding singer. Eileen Atkins as Jocelyne Dashwood. Henry's widowed mother and Daphne's grandmother. Level-headed and having a dry wit, Jocelyne openly welcomes Daphne into the Dashwoods' lives. She despises Alistair, Glynnis and Clarissa for their snobbiness and over-emphasis on social standing, preferring the more authentic and humble Daphne. Anna Chancellor as Glynnis Payne. Henry's fiancée, Alistair Payne's daughter and Clarissa's mother. A snobby and materialistic upper-class woman, Glynnis is over concerned with appearances. She and Clarissa feel threatened by Daphne's arrival. Jonathan Pryce as Alistair Payne. Henry's pompous and manipulative advisor and campaign manager. He was the advisor of Henry's late father. Alistair orchestrated Henry and Libby's separation, because he viewed Libby as unsuitable to be a lady. Oliver James as Ian Wallace, a young, aspiring British musician and Daphne's love interest. He loves Daphne for her go-getting, lively personality, though he tries to be supportive of her trying to fit in, even though she was really "born to stand out". Christina Cole as Clarissa Payne. Glynnis's equally snobby, bratty and gossipy daughter and Alistair's granddaughter. As the stereotypical evil stepsister, Clarissa is not as intelligent as her mother, but is cruel to Daphne and everyone she views as of lower standing. Sylvia Syms as Princess Charlotte, a royal whom Daphne befriends. Tara Summers as Noelle Ben Scholfield as Armistead Stuart, an arrogant and womanizing upper-class boy whom Clarissa fancies. He lusts for Daphne, who wants absolutely nothing to do with him. He gets his comeuppance when Daphne publicly humiliates him by dumping him into the Thames River. Release Critical response On Rotten Tomatoes the film holds an approval rating of 36% based on 109 reviews,