“I got very, very attached to the bumps”

As a seasoned movie enthusiast with a penchant for British comedies, I wholeheartedly endorse adding “Daddy Issues” to your watchlist. Aimee Lou Wood, who stole our hearts as Aimee Gibbs in Sex Education, has outdone herself yet again in this heartwarming and hilarious BBC3 comedy. Her character Gemma, a young woman navigating the complexities of pregnancy and father-daughter dynamics, is a testament to Wood’s acting prowess.

Add Daddy Issues to your watchlist.

Following her standout performance in Netflix’s Sex Education, Aimee Lou Wood has since appeared in films such as The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, Seize Them!, and Living. At the age of 29, Wood is currently starring in the new BBC3 comedy Daddy Issues, where she portrays Gemma, a woman who finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand and must awkwardly turn to her clueless father, Malcolm (played by David Morrissey), for help. In an exclusive interview, the increasingly sought-after actress discusses her struggles with breaking character on set, bonding with prosthetic baby bumps, and why she’s hesitant to return to the stage.

How would you describe Gemma, the character you play in Daddy Issues?

Gemma’s had more than her fair share of disappointments in life, leading her to develop a prickly, somewhat sarcastic demeanor. She’s fiercely independent and prefers to go it alone, often seen as a solitary figure. Unlike many characters portrayed on TV shows, Gemma doesn’t have a large circle of friends or a close confidant. Most people might not experience this either. Instead, due to her isolation, she reluctantly accepts help from her father, Malcolm. This encounter allows her to see him as an individual rather than just a parental figure.

How did you find getting into the father-daughter dynamic with David Morrissey?

In certain instances, Malcolm’s behavior strongly resembled that of my father. I have a deep affection for David. Now, this might seem insignificant to you, but we share the same zodiac sign for our moon (Scorpio), which led to an immediate connection and profound conversations. We would then switch to joking around on set. Typically, David is linked with intense dramas, so I can’t wait for people to see him in a humorous light. Sometimes, I had to deliver my lines facing away from him because as soon as our eyes met, we couldn’t help but laugh uncontrollably.

“I got very, very attached to the bumps”

You play a pregnant woman in the series. How did you find that experience?

I recently completed filming for “Toxic Town”, a Netflix drama featuring Jodie Whittaker and Robert Carlyle, prior to working on “Daddy Issues”. Interestingly enough, in both series, I portrayed pregnant characters. This meant that I had to frequently adjust the sizes of my pregnancy bump during filming. To my surprise, I grew quite fond of the bumps, particularly the larger ones.

Were you raised in Stockport, and did you film Daddy Issues in and near that location? What was it like returning to that area?

Returning felt somewhat familiar, as if stepping back into a cherished space. There were many exclamations such as, “Your aunt mentioned you were working here!” It’s quite amusing to be a topic of conversation in Stockport. However, it’s been strange because I’m often the only northern actor on set and my accent is seen as adorable, like “Aren’t you sweet.” But during Daddy Issues, I was surrounded by a crew from the north. My London friends have noticed how much stronger my accent has become!

I’m usually the only northern actor when I do a job

Have you ever felt pressured to tone down your accent?

At drama school (which was Rada), Wood graduated in 2017. Initially, they emphasized that Received Pronunciation would be the primary accent we should master, requiring me to adjust my accent at times. However, quite unexpectedly, instead of dialing it down, people have been asking me to intensify my accent!

As a cinephile, I’m excited about my upcoming role in season three of The White Lotus. When it comes to the accent, I’ll be diving into a unique vocal landscape for this part, creating an authentic and immersive experience for viewers.

Initially, I designed my character to be American. However, during the self-taping process, I recorded two versions – one with an American accent and another in my native accent. The response was that they preferred my natural voice, leading to a change in my character’s origin, who will now hail from Manchester!

Have you taken part in some stage plays, such as “Uncle Vanya” and “Cabaret”? Do you find that experience enjoyable?

Many years ago, an actor advised me that regularly returning to theater is crucial to avoid developing apprehension towards it, as well as stage fright. However, after portraying Sally Bowles in the play ‘Cabaret’, I must admit, I’ve developed a genuine fear [Wood played the role of Sally Bowles at London’s Playhouse Theatre in 2023]. Despite loving the experience and considering it my dream role, it had a profound impact on me – almost to the point of being overwhelming. Each night, stepping into Sally’s shoes was an emotional struggle.

Tell us more about that…

In that performance, it seemed as if I stood exposed and vulnerable, like being on stage with no clothes. Later, when people praised me, I found myself pondering, “They thought I was acting, but I was genuinely shouting, weeping, and experiencing a breakdown.” The boundary between truth and illusion in Cabaret vanished entirely. I yearn for the secure embrace of a television studio – I believe I’ll need to postpone another play for at least five years.

In 2021, you received a BAFTA award for your depiction of Aimee Gibbs in “Sex Education”, marking your debut on-screen performance. With such an impressive start, has the expectation been overwhelming for you since then?

It came as a surprise that I was even nominated for an award, let alone winning one. The night before the ceremony, people told me to simply savor the experience of being there since I wasn’t expected to win. But when they announced my name, it turned out to be an incredibly moving moment for me.

Do you think awards are valuable in the industry?

It’s so subjective. There are so many incredible performances and actors who will never get recognised by awards. You have to see an award as a lovely thing and then let it go. You do terrible work if you think, “I hope Bafta sees this and loves it.” All you can ever do is just tell the story and be as truthful as you can.

2024-08-08 20:06

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