Mia McKenna-Bruce on BAFTA Rising star nod and idolising Kate Winslet

Born and raised in London, she was 10 years old when she joined the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical, which was quickly followed by TV appearances in Holby City, EastEnders, The Bill and CBBC’s Tracy Beaker Returns.

She has since appeared in Netflix’s The Witcher, ITV’s Vera and the film Persuasion, but it’s new indie movie How to Have Sex that has landed her on BAFTA’s Rising Star shortlist — 16 years after her career actually started…

How does it feel to be nominated for a Rising Star BAFTA?

I can’t get my head around it. Every time someone says it, I’m just like: 'What on earth?' It’s the dream.

If you win, what will you do with your award?

I saw an interview with Kate Winslet where she said she put her Oscar in the toilet so that people can do their Oscar acceptance speech in private. Maybe I’ll follow in her footsteps.

Who would you love to meet at the awards?

Kate Winslet. Can you tell that I’m obsessed? She seems so real and grounded. My aim as an actor is to be as honest and real as possible, so I look up to her. Also, watching Titanic made me realise that acting was something that I wanted to do.

You started as a child actor on TV — what was it like making the transition to adult actor?

It was hard. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I was having panic attacks before and after auditions. I’d had such a good run of it as a child and I didn’t want it to end.

I had to step away for a bit. I left my agent and went to Australia with my best friend and got a job in a call centre. After six months, I decided to give acting another shot.

How do you reflect on that time now?

I’m grateful for it. It has given me a deep love and appreciation for what I do. I don’t take it for granted because I can easily remember that time when getting work was really difficult.

Last year, you starred in How to Have Sex, which features a sexual assault storyline. Did you have any concerns about those scenes?

I think it’s human nature to be a bit nervous to film sex scenes. They’re always a bit awkward, but we had an intimacy coordinator who worked with us at our rehearsals in London. By the time we were on set in Malia in Greece, it was all choreographed and we knew exactly what we were doing.

Do you have any favourites from the films nominated this year?

All of Us Strangers. It’s beautiful. That’s what I love about British films – they’re so real and honest and they always move you. When I’m watching a film, I’m like: "Bring me the drama."

How to Have Sex is now streaming on Mubi. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide or visit our Film hub for all the latest news.

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