Emilia Clarke on new film Last Christmas and leaving Daenarys Targaryen behind

Emilia Clarke is thoroughly enjoying life after Daenarys Targaryen.

"I'm not throwing shade on the show at all in any way shape or form — it was and forever will be the most incredible experience of my life but getting to play someone different and getting to bring more of myself it's wonderful, it's really freeing," she says of her time on Game of Thrones.

In the new festive romantic comedy Last Christmas, Clarke plays Kate — a walking disaster and failed singer who, after a brush with death, ends up working as an elf in a Christmas shop.

"I'm much closer to Kate than I am to Daenarys," Clarke tells A Current Affair in an exclusive interview.

Clarke stars alongside Henry Golding of Crazy Rich Asians fame, who plays her romantic interest Tom.

It's the first-time audiences will see Clarke sing, with the film featuring the music of George Michael, including a previously unreleased track.

"She's seriously very good" says Golding. "We had this little moment where I attempted to sing with her, which they cut out… Which is a bad sign."

The film is directed by Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) and boasts a script co-written by Emma Thompson, who also plays Clarke's Yugoslavian-born mother, Petra.

Last Christmas is set in London, and touches on the political unrest in the UK surrounding immigration in the wake of the Brexit controversies. "It's a problem that a huge amount of people I think in London are struggling with."

Both stars are hopeful about a Brexit resolution.

"Emilia's going to become the leader, and we're all going to be really happy. She's running for Prime Minister" Golding jokes.

"Yes. I think I'd do alright. I think I'd do great" agrees Clarke.

Last Christmas is in cinemas from November 7.