Evie Ward-Drummond, star of ITV's hit comedy G'wed, has opened up about how she drew on painful memories from her own youth to tackle a powerful OCD storyline in the new series.
The 26-year-old actress, who plays Ella Grace in the Liverpool-based sitcom, said the role brought back difficult experiences from her school days as she portrays a teenager struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder.
Speaking in her first interview about the storyline, Evie also stressed the importance of representation for working-class northern talent on screen.
A Powerful New Storyline
The ITV comedy, which returned this week for a third series, has been hailed by fans as one of the closest spiritual successors to The Inbetweeners. It follows a group of Liverpudlian teens navigating sex, family chaos and mental health issues.
Written by Liverpool-born newcomer Danny Kenny, the show has already proved a major success for ITV, with its launch episode attracting 1.7 million viewers across ITVX, ITV1 and ITV2. Last year, G'wed was nominated for two BAFTAs, including Best Scripted Comedy, as well as a nod for lead actor Dylan Thomas-Smith.
This series sees Drummond's character at the centre of a difficult storyline as she battles what is known as "pure OCD", a form of the condition linked to intrusive thoughts.
"It's about intrusive thoughts, and on the outside, you wouldn't know someone is struggling," Evie told The Mirror. "People often think OCD is just about being tidy, but it's not, it's about what's going on in your head."
She added that she first became aware of the condition through her boyfriend, who did not initially realise he had it. "I really hope the show raises awareness so young people understand it's a mental health condition, not just something you can switch off," she said.
Personal Struggles
Evie admitted the storyline hit close to home, revealing she also struggled with her mental health during her school years.
"I remember sometimes I would leave class and lock myself in the toilets. People think school is carefree, but lots of kids are dealing with things privately," she recalled.
Born in Sheffield to a beauty therapist mum and launderette-owner dad, Evie discovered her passion for acting early on, performing in school and local productions before landing a place at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, whose alumni includes Daniel Craig, Lily James and Michelle Dockery.
Before her big break, she took on a series of dead-end jobs while chasing her dream. "I've completely slogged it," she said.
She was eventually spotted by G'wed casting director Harry Gilbert, who praised her as a standout talent. "Evie has remarkable range, brilliant in both comedy and drama," he said.
Beyond Acting
Away from the show, Evie is also a writer and filmmaker. Her latest project, Laundreams, is a short film set in her family's Sheffield launderette and stars rising actor Paapa Essiedu alongside Evie herself. It is due to have an exclusive screening next month.
Evie said she is proud to be part of a show that puts working-class northern voices front and centre. "Things are changing, but it's still difficult. G'wed shows how funny, sharp and articulate these characters are," she said. "There's so much talent in the North; it just needs the platform."
G'wed airs on Monday nights on ITV2 at 10.35pm with episodes available to stream.
