Rita Ora is a “great” actress, Jake Gyllenhaal and Harvey Weinstein have said.

The Poison singer makes a brief appearance as a battered drug addict and prostitute in Southpaw, a film produced by Harvey and which stars the Nightcrawler actor as a boxer, and managed to make an impression on the pair in spite of her small cameo.

Jake Gyllenhaal stars in Southpaw
Jake Gyllenhaal (Joel Ryan/Invision)

“(There were) no problems at all. She was great. People will see she brought a lot. I have a lot of time for her,” Jake said.

Producer Harvey added: “She was prepared. She had no vanity, no problem looking as bad as she does in the film. People will see a different, dramatic side to her. I would work with her again.”

The 24-year-old singer credited Jake for helping her on set, saying: “It was an incredible experience! Jake made it very easy for me.”

Rita – who previously had small roles in Fifty Shades Of Grey, as Christian Grey’s sister Mia, and Fast And Furious 6 – has said she is looking to make her mark on the big screen.

She previously said: “The whole movie aspect for me is something I love, but it’s something I don’t mind growing into.”

Southpaw, which also stars Rachel McAdams, Naomie Harris, 50 Cent and Forest Whitaker, opens in UK cinemas on July 24.