Aimee Lou Wood, known for her breakout role in Sex Education, has catapulted to new heights with her recent ventures in some of the biggest television shows. From playing a beloved character in the globally adored Sex Education to starring alongside Walton Goggins in The White Lotus, Wood’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Wood’s rise as an actress has been rapid, with the 31-year-old recently winning a BAFTA for her role in Sex Education and now enjoying a stunning stint in Thailand filming for The White Lotus. The actress, who portrays Chelsea in the third season of the acclaimed show, reflects on her unexpected path to success and the changing nature of her career.
“I had no idea how Sex Education would be received, and now being a superfan of The White Lotus is both surreal and thrilling,” Wood says. The role marks a significant shift for the actress, who previously had little knowledge of how Sex Education would resonate with audiences. The White Lotus has proved to be a different kind of milestone, where Wood’s personal connection to the series as a fan has added a layer of excitement.
Reflecting on her time with Sex Education, Wood shares the bittersweet feelings of watching her castmates move on. “It was a bit untethering at first when it finished, wondering what my life was without this thing,” she explains. “But now, it feels more like a fever dream.” She adds that while there was pressure to fit into a mold when the show first launched, she and her castmates have since carved out distinct paths.
Wood’s characters in both Sex Education and The White Lotus share some superficial similarities. Both Aimee and Chelsea are kind-hearted, curious, and find themselves stuck in toxic relationships. “Even though they’re both underestimated, they are on very different life journeys,” she notes, suggesting that external perceptions may lead to comparisons based on accents and demeanor. A notable shift in her portrayal of Chelsea, originally American in the script, saw Wood bringing her Manchester accent to the role, which she feels aligns more with the character’s sense of alienation in the show.
Beyond The White Lotus, Wood has also starred in Toxic Town, a drama based on the real-life story of a group of women from Corby, England, who sought justice for their children’s limb differences linked to industrial pollution. Wood portrays Tracey Taylor, one of the mothers at the center of the fight. “It was important to tell this story because it hadn’t reached the national news in a significant way,” she says. “It’s about exposing uncomfortable truths and celebrating the resilience of these women.”
The actress’ versatility was further evident in her portrayal of a pregnant teenager in Daddy Issues, a BBC Three comedy, and later a mother in Toxic Town. “Playing a mother made me want kids,” Wood confesses, noting that the transition from teenager to mother was jarring but rewarding.
Turning 30 also marked a pivotal moment for Wood. “I found 29 harder than 30,” she says. “There was a relief in escaping the pressure of my 20s.” Shortly after her milestone birthday, Wood embarked on the adventure of a lifetime in Thailand, working on The White Lotus.
As if balancing multiple roles on screen wasn’t enough, Wood has taken her creativity a step further with Film Club, her debut as a writer for BBC Three. What began as a lockdown pastime has turned into a series centered around two friends watching films, reflecting Wood’s passion for storytelling beyond acting.
Wood, who initially wanted to be a writer, was encouraged to pursue acting after her talent was recognized during a school performance. “I knew I could do funny voices, and acting became a defense mechanism,” she recalls. “But it’s writing that I’ve always wanted to do.” Now, with Film Club set to premiere, she is fulfilling her original creative aspirations.
With multiple projects lined up and a growing reputation, Aimee Lou Wood continues to surprise and inspire, showcasing her remarkable versatility as both an actor and writer.
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