When Emma Mackey first appeared on our screens in the first episode of Netflix’s Sex Education we were a nation bewitched. Sure, her character Maeve Wiley, had an air of Skins-era nostalgia: a moody teenage girl with a strong attachment to DIY hair dye and heavy eye makeup. But she had a heart of gold, an uncanny resemblance to Margot Robbie, and more acting chops than the showrunners knew what to do with.
Of course, Emma is not the only star to emerge from the TV juggernaut. She’s one of three Sex Education cast members to feature in the new Barbie movie, and she was up against co-star and on screen bestie, Aimee Lou Wood, for the BAFTA Rising Star award this year (which Mackey won). Ncuti Gatwa, aka Eric Effiong of “wash your hands you detty pig” fame, has also had a meteoric rise - he’s secured three BAFTAs for his role as Eric and will soon become the first black actor to ever portray Doctor Who. Simone Ashley, who plays mean girl Olivia, made waves as the lead in Bridgerton season two and become one-to-watch on the red carpet.
