Sex Education star Aimee Lou Wood has spoken candidly about her childhood, revealing that her father's addiction to drugs 'destroyed' her early years. The 28-year-old actress, who grew up in Stockport, Manchester, said her father was a car dealer who struggled with substance abuse.
In a new interview, Wood described herself as a 'wrecking ball of emotion' and discussed the lasting impact of her upbringing. She said she is now training herself to 'be present' and to avoid retreating into what she calls the 'hostile parallel world' where trauma is stored.
The actress, who won a Bafta for her role in the Oscar-nominated film Living, also opened up about her struggles with eating disorders. She said her body had become 'like an enemy' and that she had experienced relapses triggered by comments from crew members on set. 'I wasn't telling people to stop talking to me like that,' she explained.
Wood is currently filming the fourth series of Sex Education in Wales while also rehearsing for the West End revival of Cabaret, where she will play Sally Bowles. She described the role as a dream come true, saying she relates to the character's free-spirited nature.
Reflecting on her journey, Wood said therapy is finally 'sinking in' and that she is learning to be kinder to herself. 'The more loving I am to myself, the easier things become,' she added.
