To millions of fans they’ll always be Marianne and Connell. But for Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal, playing the iconic characters in 2020’s hit drama Normal People was just the start of their meteoric rise to fame – as well as a truly beautiful friendship. Since being catapulted to superstardom as soulmates in the bittersweet BBC show, the actors have gone from strength to strength in their respective careers, but their real-life bond has remained as close as ever.
Now, as Paul, 28, sets pulses racing with a starring role in the new Ridley Scott film Gladiator 2 and Daisy, 26, wins rave reviews for her part in Hollywood’s latest blockbuster, Twisters, the dynamic duo are celebrating their good fortune together, even linking up at last month’s Glastonbury Festival for a catch-up. There, they posed for a photo with their arms wrapped around each other, which was shared on Daisy’s Instagram page to the delight of fans.
Just days prior to that, the besties joined forces for a Normal People charity screening at a London cinema, appearing on stage to chat about the show that made them famous and staying to watch all 12 episodes with the audience. Paul later thanked the crowd on his and Daisy’s behalf for “changing their lives”, by making the series such a huge success.
Watching the couple on film and in real life, it’s impossible to deny their incredible chemistry. Daisy herself has admitted she “fell in love” with her handsome co-star upon meeting him, saying at the Fastnet Film Festival in May, “Met Paul, fell in love with Paul… as a friend. I’m announcing it here.”
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