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Anna Friel has a smokin' time as she lunches with family in the Californian sun

Last updated at 08:59am on 26.03.08

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She's embraced most aspects of her new Hollywood life - including the personal fitness trainer, large entourage and sunday lunch al fresco.

However when it comes to being 100 per cent health-obsessed like her showbiz counterparts, Anna Friel seems unable to kick her smoking habit.

The British-born actress enjoyed a leisurely cigarette while lunching yesterday with long-term boyfriend David Thewlis and their two-year-old daughter Gracie in Los Angeles.

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Anna Friel has adopted many of the attributes of a major player in Hollywood, such as the personal trainer and large entourage, but not all of LA's health-obsessed ways

Wearing a strapless black dress, Friel was making the most of the Californian sun - a world away from the cold and snow of her home town Rochdale in Lancashire.

The 31-year-old actress has become a major star in the U.S. thanks to hit TV series Pushing Daisies.

However she is determined to stay true to her roots and not get caught up in image-obsessed California.

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Anna Friel with David Thewlis and Gracie

Anna was enjoying an easter lunch with partner David Thewlis and daughter Gracie at the Alcove eatery in Los Angeles

"I think it's really important to hold on to who you really are, and I am not going to let this new success change me.

"I am keeping my accent and my own look," she said.

Anna Friel with David Thewlis and their child

California Dreamin': Anna has signed up to a possible six-year run of the hit TV series Pushing Daisies

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Happy to hear of Anna'a commitment to her country, her family and her self. She is an incredible talent and we thank the UK for sharing her with us here in the US. Continued success Anna and David!

From a fan and Wisconsin farm boy turned treasure hunter, Cheers.

- Bill Blaesing, Key West, Florida USA