Actress Jessie Buckley has opened up about her experience on the 2008 TV talent show, I’d Do Anything, where she was the runner-up. At just 17, she faced harsh treatment while competing for a leading role in a West End production of Oliver!.
In a recent Vogue interview, Buckley described her journey as one filled with “unfair objectification.” She was still discovering herself and felt the pressure to conform. “Back then, I was just trying to find my place in the world,” she said. Buckley recalled feeling “brutalized” and noted instances of body shaming and comments about her appearance. One choreographer even advised her to be “more ladylike” and learn to dance in six-inch heels.
Reflecting on those challenges, Buckley expressed a mix of pride and disbelief at her younger self’s bravery. “I don’t know if I’d have that courage now,” she admitted. At the time, she often felt not quite well and battled depression. She mentioned the strain of fitting into societal expectations of femininity. “I was in a phase of growth, and it felt unfair to be judged so harshly,” she said.
The show’s aftermath was tough. Buckley declined an understudy position for the winner, Jodie Prenger, and instead chose to forge her own path in London’s theater scene. She took a role in Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. However, early in her career, she felt lost and struggled against a culture that pushed her to fit a mold that didn’t suit her. “It can become self-destructive,” she noted.
Today, Buckley has established herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood, with many predicting she’ll win best actress for her role in Hamnet. The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, tells the story of William Shakespeare’s son who died at a young age, an event many believe inspired the play Hamlet.
This shift in Buckley’s career reflects broader changes in the industry, with more attention now given to mental health and the treatment of artists. According to a study by the Actors Fund, 68% of performers have experienced anxiety or depression due to industry pressures. There’s a growing push for support systems to protect talent during competitions and performances.
As societies evolve, so do expectations. Buckley’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in creative fields. With her newfound perspective, she aims to dismantle the narratives that once weighed her down, finding empowerment in her authenticity.
The BBC, which aired I’d Do Anything, has since emphasized its commitment to the welfare of participants, stating that it has strengthened its policies to better protect individuals involved in its productions.
