Paul Mescal felt objectified by Normal People pin-up status

\'Normal People\' star Paul Mescal felt "objectified" when the BBC show first aired.

The 24-year-old actor played Connell Waldron opposite Daisy Edgar-Jones\' Marianne Sheridan on the drama series which became a hit due to it\'s realistic sex scenes and romance making Paul a pin-up.

However, the Irish thespian wasn\'t comfortable with his sex symbol status which even saw an Instagram account made to celebrate the silver chain he wore around his neck, a prop that became an object of desire for many women.

Katie McGlynn and Max Bowden Reunite on Stage Following Brief Romance

Speaking in ELLE magazine, he said: "I felt objectified after \'Normal People\'. It\'s to be expected, given the intimacy of my scenes, but it doesn\'t make it easier.

"The power of Connell\'s chain was completely unexpected. And a bit frightening! It became this totemic being that lived outside the show."

Paul - who was listed at number two in the publication\'s movers and shakers list in association with Magnum ice cream - was also bombarded with explicit messages from women on his social media accounts and he coped with the avalanche of romantic offers by simply ignoring them.

Louise Thompson Recovers Engagement Ring Two Years After Its Disappearance

He added: "I dare not read some of the intense DMs I receive. But it\'s not enough to put me off the industry."

His co-star Daisy made number seven on ELLE\'s list and opened up about her personal journey to acting.

She said: "Not going to drama school taught me to think on my feet. I\'ve had to learn on the job, which made me determined."