‘Normal People’ star Paul Mescal felt "objectified" when the BBC show first aired.
The 24-year-old actor played Connell Waldron opposite Daisy Edgar-Jones’ Marianne Sheridan on the drama series which became a hit due to it’s realistic sex scenes and romance making Paul a pin-up.
However, the Irish thespian wasn’t comfortable with his sex symbol status which even saw an Instagram account made to celebrate the silver chain he wore around his neck, a prop that became an object of desire for many women.
Speaking in ELLE magazine, he said: "I felt objectified after ‘Normal People’. It’s to be expected, given the intimacy of my scenes, but it doesn’t make it easier.
"The power of Connell’s chain was completely unexpected. And a bit frightening! It became this totemic being that lived outside the show."
Paul – who was listed at number two in the publication’s movers and shakers list in association with Magnum ice cream – was also bombarded with explicit messages from women on his social media accounts and he coped with the avalanche of romantic offers by simply ignoring them.
He added: "I dare not read some of the intense DMs I receive. But it’s not enough to put me off the industry."
His co-star Daisy made number seven on ELLE’s list and opened up about her personal journey to acting.
She said: "Not going to drama school taught me to think on my feet. I’ve had to learn on the job, which made me determined."