The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Covid happened... so we had to recreate Nigeria in Wales
Sex Education heads to Africa in the new series with a powerful storyline as we see Eric return to his homeland Nigeria.
But actor Ncuti Gatwa, 28, didn’t get to enjoy a jolly abroad because the scenes had to be filmed in Wales due to coronavirus.
He says: “We had plans to film abroad, but then Covid happened, so we had to recreate Nigeria in Wales.
“Our production designer Samantha Harley made the most wonderful set, down to the sand and gravel she imported from Nigeria.”
Ncuti also reveals how scenes showing his lovable character Eric visit Nigeria as a gay man will have a huge impact on viewers.
He explains: “I felt a lot of pressure, I think we all did, to get that storyline right.
“Eric is half Nigerian and half Ghanaian, and this trip back to Nigeria is a huge part of his journey this season. He reconnects with his family.
“Eric’s very proud of his heritage and yet it’s an undeniable fact that being gay is illegal in Nigeria.
“Quite often, when we talk about LGBTQ storylines on TV, they’re focused on white characters. Eric meets a character named Oba who helps him become more aware of all parts of himself – a black man, a gay man and a Nigerian man.”
Describing Gen Z-ers as
“so socially aware”, Baftanominated Ncuti says of the hit show: “We’re expanding so many conversations regarding gender and sexuality and I think [Sex Education] just hit gold with the timing.”
Opening with a montage of sexual encounters that’s sure to make you sit up and pay attention, the third series of Sex Education, penned by returning Bafta-nominated writer Laurie Nunn, starts as it means to go on. It tackles everything from penis size insecurities to the long-term mental health concerns arising from character Aimee Gibbs’ sexual assault aboard a bus in the last series.
Played by 26 -year-old Aimee Lou Woods, who won a Bafta for her on-screen portrayal, the continuation of Aimee’s assault story was of vital importance to her.
“Sex Education is very true to life in the way that it conveys that things don’t just get better and better and better,” reflects Aimee Lou. “Things go up and down all the time. I think that it was lovely that she gets on the bus with the girls and there’s that beautiful moment, and then it’s all like, ‘Oh, yay. She’s better’. But of course, that is not real life.
“And actually, that was the start of her journey. It wasn’t the end.”
Describing the way in which her character took “steps forward” last series thanks to the support of her female peers, Aimee Lou is quick to emphasise that “growth is a process”.
“It’s going to be with her forever – and that’s what she hears in therapy. It’s going to be with her forever. And it’s altered her forever.”
With actress Gillian Anderson returning as sex therapist Dr Jean F Milburn, who is now heavily pregnant, we find Moordale Secondary School under the new leadership of headmistress Hope Haddon, played by
Girls’ star Jemima Kirke.
Revamping the school in a matriarchal fashion, Hope’s iron-fist approach to education is not to the liking of everyone.
From the demolition of the toilet block once used as a sex clinic by Maeve Wiley and Otis Milburn, to the implementation of school uniforms, the show’s central characters find themselves united against a common evil.
“The uniforms were a little triggering,” recalls Asa Butterfield, 24, who reprises his role as Dr Milburn’s son
Otis alongside Maeve (Emma Mackey). “It’s a great part of the show, but I think one of the things I loved is everyone on set’s individuality,” continues Asa, best known for his roles in Nanny Mcphee and The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas.
“But of course, that’s one of the point of the uniforms, it’s to see what happens when you take that away.”
■ Sex Education series 3 is on Netflix from Friday