Normal People’s Paul Mescal has opened up on how he felt ‘objectified’ when the drama first landed on BBC Three.
The actor stars as Connell alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones’ Marianne in the steamy romance, which has been applauded for it’s raw and realistic sex scenes.
However, it turns out the 24-year-old was taken by surprise by his overnight fame – especially when the chain Connell wore around his neck became an Instagram sensation – achieving more than 180,000 followers.
‘I felt objectified after Normal People. It’s to be expected, given the intimacy of my scenes, but it doesn’t make it easier,’ he confessed to Elle magazine, after landing at number two on their movers and shakers list in partnership with Magnum ice cream.
‘I daren’t read some of the intense DMs I receive. But it’s not enough to put me off the industry.’
The star added: ‘The power of Connell’s chain was completely unexpected. And a bit frightening! It became this totemic being that lived outside the show.’
Daisy also found herself ranking at number seven on magazine’s iconic list, where she was described as a ‘previously unknown actor who stole the hearts of an entire nation.’
She told the publication: ‘Not going to drama school taught me to think on my feet. I’ve had to learn on the job, which made me determined.’
The pair appeared alongside the likes of England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford who instigated the government’s U-turn on free school meals, Lashana Lynch, who became the first Black female 00 agent in the James Bond Franchise, and Bernardine Evaristo, who became the first Black woman to win the Booker Prize.
This isn’t the first time Paul has spoken about his new ‘sex symbol’ status, and recently revealed how it makes him feel uncomfortable.
Speaking to Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby on the I’m Grand Mam podcast in May, Paul shared how he feels about the reaction to him as Connell, and said: ‘To be honest, it’s uncomfortable.
‘I’m not trying to be full of faux humility but it’s a weird thing when people are very quickly attracted to a character you play.
‘And I think that’s the thing I’m focusing on. I’m not Connell, I’m totally different to him. I think maybe what’s sexy about Connell is he’s kind of classic back-footed, aloof, smart. I’m definitely not back-footed or aloof.’
He pressed: ‘This is for the record — if anybody ever dates me, I am not Connell, and nor do I want to be him.’
The October issue of Elle UK is on sale from September 3, while normal People is available on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Strictly Come Dancing ‘signs boxer Nicola Adams to make show history in first-ever same-sex couple’
MORE: BTS tease group’s new album, Grammy hopes and future plans for ‘outdoor festival’
0 Commentaires