The Scene Many Actresses Love Was Aimee Lou Wood’s Biggest Fear, Even More Than S-x Scenes

Aimee Lou Wood, best known for her breakout role in Sex Education, has revealed the one thing that made her more anxious than filming intimate scenes while working on The White Lotus. The 31-year-old actress, who plays Chelsea in the hit HBO series, found herself struggling with an unexpected challenge while on set in Thailand.

While many actors consider sex scenes among the most daunting parts of filming, Aimee admitted that for her, the real fear came from something else entirely—wearing a bikini on camera. Despite having performed in emotionally and physically intense roles throughout her career, the thought of being in a swimsuit by the pool made her far more self-conscious than any intimate scene ever had.

In The White Lotus, Aimee's character Chelsea is vacationing in Thailand with her older boyfriend, played by Walton Goggins. The luxurious setting, stunning beaches, and lavish resorts might have seemed like the perfect backdrop for a dream shoot, but for Aimee, it came with unexpected anxieties.

Speaking to The Sun, she confessed: “I was more nervous about bikinis than sex scenes. I was more worried about just being around the pool because I feel like that’s when you’re thinking more about how you look.”

This revelation might come as a surprise, considering how many actors have spoken about the pressures of performing love scenes. However, for Aimee, those moments were easier to handle. “In an intimate scene, it’s about the intimacy. But then you just, kind of, have to forget that.

You just have to let it go,” she explained. “The bikini scenes were way scarier to me, actually.”

Aimee’s discomfort with showing her body on screen isn’t just about being in front of the camera—it’s deeply rooted in her personal history. She has previously opened up about her struggles with body dysmorphia and eating disorders, revealing that these issues have followed her for much of her life.

In a past interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she recalled how, during her childhood and teenage years, she battled extreme self-criticism and discomfort with her body. “I hated my body and didn’t want to be in it – that’s not the case anymore, thank God,” she said.

It wasn’t until she attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) that she began to confront and heal from these struggles. With the help of the supportive staff and environment, she was able to gain a healthier perspective on her self-image.

However, as her comments about The White Lotus suggest, certain insecurities can still linger, even for someone as accomplished as she is.

Aimee’s fears about wearing a bikini on screen also highlight a broader issue in the entertainment industry—how actresses are often scrutinized for their appearances. While male actors can typically get away with a much wider range of body types, women are frequently subjected to unrealistic beauty standards, especially when it comes to scenes involving swimwear or revealing clothing.

The pressure to maintain a “perfect” figure can be overwhelming, particularly in an era where social media amplifies criticism. Even an actress as talented as Aimee isn’t immune to these expectations, proving that no matter how much success someone achieves, deep-seated insecurities can still resurface.

Her honesty about this fear sheds light on a conversation that many in Hollywood are beginning to have—one that questions the industry’s obsession with physical appearance and the impact it has on performers’ mental health.

Despite her fears, Aimee has continued to push herself outside her comfort zone. From her role as Aimee Gibbs in Sex Education—a character who resonated with audiences for her raw vulnerability and emotional depth—to her new projects with HBO and Netflix, she has proven that she isn’t afraid to take on difficult roles.

Her candidness about her struggles is part of what makes her such a compelling actress. Rather than putting on a facade of perfection, she embraces her flaws and is willing to speak about the things that make her feel vulnerable. This honesty has endeared her to fans, many of whom see themselves in her experiences.

It also reinforces an important message: even in an industry that often prioritizes appearance over talent, personal growth and self-acceptance matter far more in the long run.

As The White Lotus continues to captivate audiences with its mix of luxury, drama, and dark humor, Aimee Lou Wood’s performance as Chelsea is sure to be a highlight. While the experience of filming may have pushed her boundaries, it’s also another step forward in her journey as an actress and as someone learning to embrace herself fully.

For viewers, her words serve as a reminder that confidence doesn’t come from fitting into a certain mold—it comes from accepting yourself, flaws and all. And if Aimee’s career is any indication, that kind of authenticity is exactly what makes an actor unforgettable.