Aimee Lou Wood, the 31-year-old Netflix series “Sex Education” lead, has openly discussed body image and self-esteem problems. Discussing openly in a candid interview with The Sunday Times, she described how the transition to a young adult life was rife with difficulties and made her “desexualise” herself. The actress replied that her character introduction on the show as Aimee Gibbs was when she felt it was a nightmare moment to bare all.
Reflecting on her exposure after the show was released, Wood stated, “If all of us had done our boobs out, then I would feel happier. I felt like I was the one who’d done the most freaky things.” She described how her past issues with eating disorders made the idea of flaunting her body daunting. I remember working through those issues only to return to covering up afterward,” she explained. “There was so much in the way that I started to desexualize myself. Sometimes you just want to wear a sexy dress and be a siren, but I denied myself that.”.
Wood continued to a great career in America, even further with her time on “White Lotus.” This time, she was more supported and not isolated, due to open discussions of the sex scenes with the actors she was working with. “We were having these really helpful conversations, so I felt less alone. When I knew the episode that my sex scene was going to be in was going to air, I didn’t even think about it,” she said.
The actress also commented on her past, describing herself as “almost mute” due to severe social anxiety. She said that the difficulties she faced in communication stemmed from her neurodivergence. “I couldn’t sit down and have a meal. My mum used to leave food around the house for me to graze. Now I realize it was neurodivergence,” she revealed.
Diagnosed with ADHD and possessing autistic traits, Wood is now considering further testing for autism, believing it can play a big part in her experiences. “They believe maybe it’s autism fueling the charge, and the ADHD is essentially a byproduct of the masking,” she said.
Despite her success, Wood admits that the art of pretending can become overwhelming at times. She recalls having an episode of pining when she observed friends eating brunch. “Another day of driving around in the car, getting to location, having your hair and make-up done, and then repeating it all over again. I just wanted to just break down and sob. I want to sit with my friends, have a chat, and go to a Pilates class.”. Oh my God, that would be like the best thing in the world, to have the option,” she concluded.
