Why White Lotus' Aimee Lou Wood Felt "Exposed" Filming Sex Education

British actress Aimee Lou Wood, known for her recent role in The White Lotus, has opened up about her emotionally raw experience filming the hit Netflix series Sex Education. In a candid interview, Wood revealed she often felt “exposed” on set — not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically, as she navigated intense and intimate storylines that mirrored real-life challenges.

Wood played the fan-favorite character Aimee Gibbs, a bubbly yet complex student who becomes a central figure in the show’s exploration of sexuality, trauma, and self-discovery. While praised for her authentic and often vulnerable performance, Wood shared that the role demanded more from her than audiences may have realized.

“People see the comedy and the light-heartedness, but behind the scenes, it was emotionally intense,” Wood said in a recent podcast interview. “There were times I felt completely exposed — like my soul was on show, not just my body. Especially in the scenes that dealt with trauma, I had to dig deep and revisit very personal places.”

One of the most pivotal moments for her character was a storyline involving sexual assault on public transport, which sparked critical praise for the show’s sensitive and realistic portrayal of trauma and recovery. For Wood, those scenes weren’t just a performance — they became a personal journey.

“I had so many women reaching out after those episodes aired,” she said. “It made me realize how many people had experienced similar things, and that made the exposure worth it. But filming it? It was terrifying at times.”

Despite the emotional toll, Wood credits Sex Education with transforming her both as an actress and as a person. “It taught me boundaries, it taught me strength, and it taught me the power of vulnerability,” she said. “I don't regret a second of it, but it definitely wasn’t easy.”

Now stepping into more mature roles, including a recent appearance in HBO’s The White Lotus, Wood has continued to challenge herself with emotionally complex characters. Her versatility and openness have positioned her as one of Britain’s most compelling young talents.

Fans have embraced her evolution, praising her ability to shift seamlessly between comedy, drama, and psychological depth. Industry insiders believe her willingness to take emotional risks will pave the way for even bigger opportunities in international cinema.

In a world where actors often hide behind characters, Aimee Lou Wood’s honesty has struck a chord. Her reflection on vulnerability, exposure, and the emotional cost of meaningful storytelling is a reminder that acting — when done truthfully — can be as brave as it is beautiful.

As Sex Education wraps up its final season, audiences are left not only with laughs and lessons, but with admiration for stars like Wood, who gave so much of themselves to tell stories that truly matter.