Actress Jessie Buckley, known for her role in Hamnet, has opened up about the challenges she faced during her time on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s TV show I’d Do Anything. At the age of 17, she participated in the competition to win the role of Nancy in the musical Oliver!
Despite finishing as the runner-up to Jodie Prenger, Jessie, now 36, revealed that she struggled and felt unwell during the show. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed feeling objectified and brutalized.
Speaking to Vogue magazine, Jessie highlighted the unfair objectification of women in the industry, emphasizing the difficulties she faced at a young age. She recalled her aspirations to be part of the entertainment world and the challenges she encountered on the show.
Following the competition, Jessie declined the opportunity to be Jodie’s understudy in Oliver! She went on to feature in various BBC productions like War and Peace, Taboo, Beast, and Wild Rose, earning a BAFTA nomination. Her career progressed with roles in Chernobyl, Fargo, and The Lost Daughter.
In late 2021, Jessie welcomed her first child, a daughter, with her husband, Freddie, who works in mental health in North London. The couple, who prefer privacy, got married in 2022 and split their time between London and Norfolk.
Discussing motherhood on The New York Times Modern Love podcast, Jessie expressed her joy and the intense journey of becoming a new parent. She shared insights into her pregnancy journey, reflecting on her experience filming Hamnet and the impact it had on her personal life.
Despite the challenges she faced, Jessie embraced motherhood with positivity and empowerment. She looks forward to nurturing her daughter’s individuality and hopes to instill in her the courage to embrace all aspects of life.
Andrew Lloyd-Webber and the BBC have been approached for comments, but no responses have been received yet.