Imagine being thrust into the spotlight at just 17, only to be judged not for your talent, but for how you look or move. This is the harsh reality Jessie Buckley faced on the 2008 TV talent show I'd Do Anything, the very platform that launched her career. Now a celebrated Hollywood star and frontrunner for Best Actress awards this season for her role in Hamnet, Buckley recently opened up about her traumatic experience on the show, calling it a time of 'brutalization' and 'unfair objectification.'
In a candid interview with Vogue, Buckley, now 36, reflected on her time as the runner-up on the BBC show, which aimed to find the next Nancy for a West End production of Oliver!. She described feeling vulnerable and 'not fully well' during her time on the show, battling depression while being subjected to body shaming and pressure to conform to outdated ideals of femininity. 'I was growing into my body,' she shared, 'and here I was, being told to be 'more ladylike' and dance in six-inch heels. It was such an unfair objectification, especially for a young woman trying to discover herself.'
But here's where it gets controversial: While the BBC has since emphasized its strengthened duty of care policies, Buckley's experience raises questions about the treatment of young contestants on reality TV. Were the judges and choreographers crossing a line, or were they simply preparing her for the harsh realities of show business? And this is the part most people miss—Buckley’s resilience. She turned down an offer to be the understudy for the show’s winner, Jodie Prenger, and instead carved her own path in London’s theatre scene, starting with a role in Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
Buckley’s journey wasn’t without its struggles. She admitted to feeling 'lost' early in her career, grappling with the pressure to conform to societal expectations. 'When you’re told to mold yourself into a shape that doesn’t fit, it becomes self-destructive,' she explained. 'My goal has been to unravel myself from that miseducation and just find life.'
Now, as she stars opposite Paul Mescal in Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao and adapted from Maggie O'Farrell’s novel, Buckley’s raw talent and authenticity shine through. The film, which explores the tragic death of William Shakespeare’s son and its potential inspiration for Hamlet, has critics predicting a sweep of Best Actress awards at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Oscars.
But here’s the thought-provoking question: In an industry that often prioritizes appearance over substance, how much has really changed since Buckley’s experience on I'd Do Anything? Are young talents today better protected, or is the pressure to conform still as strong as ever? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about the price of fame and the importance of authenticity in the arts.
