Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones explain “pressure” they felt filming Normal People

The pair discussed their phenomenal success on the Virgin Media Bafta Television Awards
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Kimberley Bond31 July 2020
The Weekender

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Normal People stars Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones have opened up in the immense pressure they felt bringing Sally Rooney’s book to life.

The pair, who were discussing the huge success of the BBC Three mini-series with Tom Allen at the Bafta pre-show, admitted there were points where they felt they “couldn’t” film the show.

“We knew it was going to be good when we were making it,” Mescal said. “But I think it’s grown legs since it came out.”

“I definitely felt a pressure,” Edgar-Jones agreed. “Before filming you’re like…’Oh…’, but just before, you’re like ‘I cant do this!’”

Mescal and Edgar-Jones practised safe social-distancing
PA

However, the pair said it was the team that helped create the show which allowed them to flourish in the role.

“It felt like a group of mates making a great book come to life,” Edgar-Jones added.

This is the first time the twosome have been reunited in real life since the show came to our screens, and the pair were keen to adhere to social distancing rules – Mescal, 24, standing with a tape measure between himself and Edgar-Jones, 22.

“It’s so surreal being in person and talking about it!” Edgar-Jones joked. “This is the first time we’ve been to an event. It’s only now that we’ve wrapped our head around what it even means.”

However, it seems it is only the start to the numerous awards ceremonies the pair will attend, with Normal People nominated for four Emmy awards – including Mescal up for Best Actor.

The unexpected nomination saw Mescal thank Edgar-Jones on Twitter.

“Daisy Edgar-Jones this [nomination] only exists because of you and your extraordinary talent it’s as simple as that! Thank you all.”

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