Naomi Ackie, who played Whitney Houston, describes her surprise at the British accent.

In the new biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Naomi Ackie, who played Whitney Houston, explained how surprised people were when they first heard her speak with a British accent.

The actress has taken on the enormous task of portraying music icon Whitney in her new film, which delves into the life and career of the singer. Prior roles include Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the third season of Master of None.

Naomi discussed how some people were shocked when they learned she was actually British and not American on Friday night's The Graham Norton Show.

The 30-year-old stated, "When they heard my British voice, they freaked out."

When I finished speaking as Whitney on set, I thought, "Damn, that was a long day! "

The actress said, "I felt I "got it" after working on the accent for six months, but I had more work to do when I had to wear fake teeth."

I had been working on my accent for six months and believed I had it down when all of a sudden I had to relearn it, she added.

Naomi admitted to Graham and the other people seated there, including Tom Hanks, Suranne Jones, and Richard Osman, that she had "immersed herself in Whitney's world" and needed to take a break from her music.

But now days, I listen to it to help me remember some of the moments I filmed, she added.

"I look back on it with emotion because it was such a crucial period in the development of my life and profession."

With classics like I Will Always Love You, I Wanna with Somebody, How Will I Know, It's Not Right but It's Okay, I Have Nothing, and My Love is Your, Whitney is acknowledged as one of the best vocalists of all time. 

Over the course of her career, she sold more than 200 million records worldwide, but she passed away in 2012 at the age of 48.