Disney’s Newest Princess

Orewa-raised actress Emily Robins, 21, is enjoying international success starring in the Disney Channel’s latest tween hit The Elephant Princess, where she plays Alex, a regular suburban girl who discovers she is a princess in the magical kingdom of Manjipoor. Robins started her career as Clare Solomon on Shortland Street — “that was my drama school” — and scored the part in The Elephant Princess after producers extended their search across the Tasman, finding Robins and casting her just days before filming commenced. One of her co-stars, Liam Hemsworth, has already been elevated to the status of Hollywood heartthrob, playing Miley Cyrus’ onscreen boyfriend in her latest movie The Last Song.