The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education, Daddy Issues) has recently opened up to Deadline about her time in filming the series, and discussed about how she felt “ugly” in certain situations. This comes from learning that creator Mike White had to fight to cast her as the roll of Chelsea.

Wood, who starred in the third season as Chelsea, learnt of the hesitation to cast her with the part, which caused some difficulty with self-esteem and self-confidence, especially during some scripted intimate moments for Wood’s character. “Someone told me how much Mike had fought for me, they said it had to be you no matter what HBO said.” She said, speaking to GQ Hype. While Wood did mention trying to understand the comments were “from a good heart” she admitted that when casted she struggled with the roll. However, the actress continued to try to view the incident in a positive light, and felt more at ease as she was casted with more experienced actors such as her co-stars Carrie Coon and Michelle Monaghan. Wood mentions feeling moments of exposure when she was faced with filming the more explicit scenes, but found refuge in discussing them with Coon and Monaghan.

“It made me feel so much better because what really bothered me about Sex Ed, that I’m only just realizing, is not what I did, it’s the fact that I felt I was the only one,” she continued, “In the first season, no one else in the main cast went to the extremes that I went to and so I think that’s what made me feel exposed.”

Wood also discussed the comments she learnt she was receiving from fans regarding her teeth, which heightened her insecurities. Following the discussion on Deadline, Wood continues to comment on the reactions to her appearance, stating how it makes her sad that her work is not being focused on, only the way she looks. Since her comments have come forth, though, she has received love and support from other fans who have pushed back against the critical responses.

Thankfully, for Wood, she has been able to pushback against the incoming criticism and find ways to enjoy playing her character Chelsea and become more comfortable filming the intimate scenes of the series.