Gemma Arterton constantly sees white feathers which she thinks are the work of her guardian angel.

The British actress' mother is spiritual and has spoken to her about the afterlife. Gemma believes her late grandmother is watching over her and often lets her presence be known by leaving reminders for the star.

"My mom is very psychic and believes in angels. I suppose it sounds quite twee when you describe it that way. But I have these feathers that follow me everywhere," she explained to the March edition of UK Vogue magazine

"My mum told me that whenever there's a white feather, it's your guardian angel. I think my guardian angel is my nan. When I arrived in Berlin [to shoot Hansel and Gretel], I opened my suitcase and there was this big white feather on top. And I thought, How did that get there?' This happens a lot."

Gemma has used the experiences to help guide her career. She was once concerned about a script she was reading, and made the decision about whether to go ahead with the film after finding a feather in her pocket

"I decided not to do the movie. It just wasn't right. It's weird, isn't it?" she said.

The 26-year-old also discussed how she prepares for a shoot.

Gemma has enjoyed drawing and painting ever since she was a young girl and it's something which she still does to this day. Sketching helps her get into character before arriving on set.

"It's a good thing to do as an actor. You have to feel when you draw, otherwise you can't capture anything," she explained. "I draw all my characters to help prepare for the roles it's my favourite bit."