Sex Education star Gillian Anderson admits she binned the script at first
Sex Education is a bona fide Netflix hit, but one of the show's stars has admitted it took a while for her to come around to the idea.
Gillian Anderson plays Dr Jean Milburn in the series, which has just launched its second season on the streaming service, but during an appearance on The One Show tonight (January 20) the actress admitted that when she first read the script for the show she immediately binned it.
Quizzed by hosts Matt Baker and Alex Jones about the huge cult success of the show, Gillian admitted that she never really stopped to consider that it would grow to be as big as it is.
Related: Sex Education season 2 has made an essential change and it's even better
"I'm not really sure whether I thought ahead. When I first read it, I had not really responded to it. I'd kind of put it in the bin, and my partner suggested I take it out of the bin and look at it a bit more seriously," she said.
"And actually when I did I found it incredibly hilarious, and kind of got what it was that they were after."
Fortunately, once Gillian was won around to the idea she quickly backed it, and added that "one of the most important elements of the series" to her is that it has opened up conversations about sex.
"To me that's one of the most important elements of the series, that it has so much heart and that it deals with very, very challenging issues that teenagers and families go through," she continued.
"So much of it is about communication. My character is awkward with the way she communicates or tries to communicate – she's completely over the top and inappropriate, even though she's a sex therapist.
"Her son is actually quite good at it and his modus operandi is to teach compassion, and forgiveness and communication and understanding – all things that are really wonderful to have in one's life, but can be quite hard to practice."
Related: Sex Education boss says there's a subtle shift of focus for season 2
Sex Education season two kicks off a new term at Moordale Secondary and follows Otis (Asa Butterfield) and his relationship with new girlfriend Ola (Patricia Allison) as well as Maeve's (Emma Mackey) unresolved feelings for Otis.
There's also the little matter of a chlamydia outbreak at the school, Otis and Maeve deciding to re-open their sex clinic and plenty more drama to keep viewers hooked (and hoping for a season three).
Sex Education seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream now on Netflix. The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on BBC One.
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