Love Actually's Mia star looks incredibly different 21 years after Christmas film release

Love Actually fans were devastated by the affair (Image: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)

Love Actually, which aired 19 years ago, remains one of the most iconic Christmas films ever. Since its release, many of the stars have undergone significant transformations, including Heike Makatsch, who played Mia.

Heike, 51, gained global fame for her role as the manipulative secretary who lured Alan Rickman's character Harry away from his wife Karen, played by Emma Thompson. Mia was one of the film's most despised characters, with fans expressing their disdain for the harsh treatment of Karen each year.

But what has Heike been up to over two decades later?

Mia, a chronic flirt, constantly teases her boss Harry in the film and is even seen wearing matching lingerie. Despite being disliked by some viewers, others loved her bold red look.

Heike left a lasting impression on audiences with her role in the cult favourite and has starred in many other Hollywood roles such as Liesel's mother in The Book Thief and Lisa in Resident Evil. Major transformation: The classic rom-com still breaks viewers' hearts every time they see Karen open her disappointing Christmas present - but Heike is a far cry from her character in real life.

Heike Makatsch as Mia in Love Actually (Image: StudioCanal)

Since the movie, the Dusseldorf native has ditched the dark wig and opted for blonder locks. She was Love Actually's sexy siren, but in her personal life, she opts for a more understated style.

The former screen siren has swapped saucy photoshoots for motherhood, welcoming three daughters into the world in 2007, 2009, and 2015 with Max Martin Schröder, member of German indie bands Tomte and Der Hund Marie. Reflecting on her experience as a mum, she mused: "They are almost 16, 13 and six years old. The little ones in particular keep me young."

Delving into the philosophy of life's changes, she also shared: "The cyclical life is coming to an end and giving way to a directionless free fall. You ask yourself: Who am I? And what kind of impertinence could I possibly be? ".

Heike looks very different 20 years after the film's release (Image: WENN)

Before Daniel Craig achieved superstardom as James Bond and settled down with 'The Mummy' actress Rachel Weisz, he spent seven blissful years with German star Heike Makatsch. The duo sparked their romance back in 1996 while co-starring in the romantic drama 'Obsession', which traced a complicated tale of love between two men and one woman.

After blooming on the film set, their relationship endured nearly eight years until its peaceful conclusion in 2004. The challenges of long-distance love ultimately took its toll - something Craig candidly reflected upon in an interview, stating: "Film sets have caused a lot of break-ups, marriages go down the tubes. It's bloody lonely."

Fast forward to the present, both have found new love - Craig with his wife Rachel, and Heike with German actor Tystan Pütter.

Heike Makatsch looks very different 20 years later (Image: Instagram/ @heikemakatsch)

Fervent fans of 'Love Actually' have long speculated over the ultimate fate of Mia and Harry's tantalising tryst.

Viewers have long speculated about the resolution of a particular storyline in the beloved film, with the script's ambiguity leaving much to imagination. However, Richard Curtis's wife, Emma Freud, disclosed some coveted insights while live-tweeting the film in 2015.

Addressing die-hard fans' inquiries, she confirmed on Twitter for one querying fan: "@emmafreud Did anyone ask if Harry ACTUALLY had an affair or was just tempted to? Alan Rickman villains r usually lovable but not this one! " To which, Freud decisively responded: "@carlotta429 DEFINITELY had an affair. I begged Richard just to make it a flirtation, but no. the whole way."