Normal People star Paul Mescal has revealed that he is ‘nothing like’ character Connell Waldron and finds it ‘weird’ when people presume that he is him.
The Irish actor, 24, who has captured the hearts of many with his portrayal of the handsome and sensitive student, said he is struggling with people being so ‘attracted’ to the character.
The super steamy BBC drama, that was released earlier this year, is based on the 2018 novel by Sally Rooney of the same name and follows Connell and love interest Marianne Sheridan, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Normal person: Normal People star Paul Mescal has shared that he is ‘nothing like’ character Connell Waldron and finds it ‘weird’ when people presume that he is him
When asked how he has dealt with millions of viewers falling for him, Paul told The Sun: ‘To be honest, it’s uncomfortable. I’m not trying to be full of faux humility but it’s a weird thing when people are very quickly attracted to a character you play.’
The actor shared: ‘And I think that’s the thing I’m focusing on. I’m not Connell, I’m totally different to him. I think maybe what’s sexy about Connell is he’s kind of classic back-footed, aloof, smart. I’m definitely not back-footed or aloof.’
The actor then said that people slide into his direct messages and speak to him as though he is Connell which he finds ‘weird.’
Paul continued: ‘It was kind of fun at the start, “oh, this is mad, people think that Connell’s sexy,” and then a weird thing has kind of crept in where, when people DM, there’s this feeling that maybe there’s an anticipation that I’m him.’
In character: The Irish actor, 24, who has captured the hearts of many with his performance, said he is struggling with people being so ‘attracted’ to the character (above with Daisy Edgar Jones as Marianne)
Hi thoughts were echoed when he spoke on the I’m Grand Mam podcast and confirmed: ‘This is for the record, if anybody ever dates me, I am not Connell and nor do I want to be him.’
The actor’s comments comes after he tweeted his congratulations to the winner of a huge raffle set up by the star to raise funds for a mental health charity.
Last month the Normal People star revealed he was donating one of the chains made famous in the hit BBC drama for a charity auction.
Romance: The super steamy BBC drama, that was released earlier this year, is based on the 2018 novel by Sally Rooney of the same name and follows Connell and love interest Marianne Sheridan
Heart throb: Paul shared ‘To be honest, it’s uncomfortable. I’m not trying to be full of faux humility but it’s a weird thing when people are very quickly attracted to a character you play’
And earlier this week the actor revealed The Chain Raffle raised an astonishing 70,340 euro or £62,590 for Pieta House after donations from across the world.
Tweeting the good news, Paul shared a post from Pieta revealing the winner of the chain and offered his congratulations, writing: ‘Congratulations Éadaoin !!!
‘Thank you so much to everyone who participated ….70, 340 euro is a huge amount of money and will go a long way in supporting Pieta’s vital services x’
He continued: ‘And I think that’s the thing I’m focusing on. I’m not Connell, I’m totally different to him’
Last month Paul wrote that he was keen to support Pieta after portraying Connell Waldron in Normal People, who suffers from depression.
‘In light of ep 9 and 10 airing on BBC and RTÉ today and tomorrow, episodes that deal with mental health and suicide, I’ve decided to support @pieta.house,’ Paul told his followers.
Tagging jewelry brand Roxanne First, the actor continued: ‘I’ve personally seen the amazing work this charity has done in terms of helping those in need. I will be raffling one of my chains by @roxannefirst and all proceeds will be going to pieta. Anything you can do to support will be greatly appreciated.’
Pieta provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation, or bereaved by suicide.
Selfie: Hi thoughts were echoed when he spoke on the I’m Grand Mam podcast and confirmed ‘This is for the record, if anybody ever dates me, I am not Connell and nor do I want to be him’