How does Sex Education measure up to the shows you watched when you were younger?

I was very sheltered growing up, I was watching The Worst Witch and Tracy Beaker until I was like 15. I did secretly watch Skins when I was a bit older, but I never told my parents. It was scandalous. I was like, is this what its like in the UK? Theyre taking drugs!

Did filming take you back to moments in your own teenage years?

All the stuff to do with coming of age, the awkwardness and the fear and the silliness and the love those bits I can relate to. But the world that Sex Education exists within is very different to mine. Sex wasnt something I was interested in at school or thinking about till much later [laughs]. I grew up in a very small town, it was very conservative. I went to a Catholic school, so it all felt quite protective, like a little bubble. It wasnt until I left that I started making my own mind up about things and having my own opinions.

Why did you leave France?

When I was seven I said, As soon as Im 18 Im moving to university in the UK. But I didnt realise how much of a trampoline uni would be for me. If Id stayed in my town I wouldve been such a different person. Im so thankful I was able to come to the UK and broaden my mind. Leeds University was a big old culture shock from this tiny place in France to a big industrial northern town with loads of people from all around the world. It was so exciting, and I absolutely needed it.

Thats a big leap. What was driving you?

I think that when you have two or more cultures, it feels like youre always asked to choose between them youre either French or youre British. And I felt a pull towards the UK and to be British because thats where a lot of great theatre and music is. I weirdly kind of rejected France for most of my life; I was like, they dont get me, they dont get my sense of humour. But now Ive been in the UK for a few years Im like, hmm, actually now Im going to get a fringe and go to Paris as much as I can [laughs].

Read the original here:
Sex Education star Emma Mackey talks season 2, her French childhood, and not getting into drama school - Stylist Magazine