He has only ever played the heartthrob, the young man who quickly becomes the love interest of the protagonist.
But Leo Woodall says objectification in his roles have left him feeling ‘vulnerable and exposed’.
Speaking to Radio Times ahead of the release of Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy, Mr Woodall, 28, plays her younger lover who she meets on a dating app in the film.
Speaking about his rise in fame since starring in Season Two of White Lotus and Netflix’s One Day, he said: ‘I don’t like using the word “catapulted” but in terms of my career, it did have that effect.
‘It’s terrifying in a lot of ways. Because it was a relatively quick turnaround, suddenly I was on these big sets and then doing photoshoots and events and interviews.
‘The filming, I’m getting more comfortable with and it’s becoming my safe haven.’
Leo Woodall says objectification in his roles have left him feeling ‘vulnerable and exposed’ in a new interview (pictured as Rockstar in Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy)
Speaking to Radio Times ahead of the release of Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy, Mr Woodall, 28, plays her younger lover who she meets on a dating app in the film
Leo stars in the film opposite Bridget Jones actress Renee Zellweger, who plays his older lover
Having played the roles of love interests in most of his projects, Woodall was asked if he ever feels objectified.
‘Yeah, it’s a mixed bag,’ he said.
‘In some ways it’s part of the gig. But also, there are sides of it that can make you feel quite vulnerable and exposed. That side isn’t as fun.
‘When you’re playing a role described like that, you can’t help but look at yourself and go, “Am I that guy?” There’s sometimes pressure in making people buy that.’
The actor, who is one of the faces of this years Red Nose Day alongside Claudia Winkleman and Olivia Atwood, said he thinks it’s important to work on films involving a younger man and an older female lover.
‘It’s a dynamic that has always existed in the real world’ he said.
‘And for reasons I’m not sure of, it’s now being portrayed on screen. That’s important, because that’s what film-making is best at: portraying all walks of life.
‘I didn’t go into it thinking I wanted to explore that. I thought the script was beautiful and wanted to be a part of it. I’ve always loved the films.
Having played the roles of love interests in most of his projects, Woodall was asked if he ever feels objectified. ‘Yeah, it’s a mixed bag,’ he said
Hollywood actress Renee, 55, has reprised her role as the unlucky-in-love singleton in the romcom Mad About The Boy (seen with co-star Leo Woodall)
‘There’s only so many chances you’ll get to be a part of something as special as Bridget Jones.’
Leo’s comments come as it was reported Bridget Jones has been accused of going ‘woke’ in her return to the screen.
Hollywood actress Renee, 55, has reprised her role as the unlucky-in-love singleton in the romantic comedy Mad About The Boy.
The character first appeared in a column in The Independent and when author Helen Fielding released Bridget Jones’ Diary in 1996, it quickly became a bestseller.
It was adapted for the screen in 2001, and the sequel The Edge of Reason followed in 2004, and then Bridget Jones’s Baby hit cinemas in 2016.
In all iterations of the franchise, Bridget is known for her obsessive calorie counting, chain-smoking and love of wearing big knickers.
In the fourth installment, the character has found herself single again following the death of Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), and she has given up smoking.
And in the new movie, as seen by The Sun, Bridget shuns a compliment from a man at work who calls her ‘hot’.
The actor, who is one of the faces of this years Red Nose Day alongside Claudia Winkleman and Olivia Atwood, said he thinks it’s important to work on films involving a younger man and an older female lover (pictured in one of the designs)
Leo is supporting Red Nose Day by wearing sweatshirts and T-shrirts from the incredible line-up of chari-tees, featuring iconic designs from seven collaborations
Available at TK Maxx stores and online at tkmaxx.com from February 2025 to raise money for Comic Relief
She replies: ‘I think you will find that sort of language is a little outmoded in the workplace.’
What’s more, Bridget embarks on a romance with Roxster – played by 28-year-old Leo Woodall – and is thrilled when the young man asks for permission to kiss her.
She says: ‘Aw, a generation who ask.’
And when Bridget learns that Billy is a straight A student, she is reminded that education is more ‘about the journey’ than the result.
The Academy Award-winning actress’s alter-ego is now a single mum to Billy and daughter , but receives a scolding from a nanny when she tries to describe her son as clever.
She says: ‘This is Billy — the science genius.’
The nanny replies: ‘Oh, you mustn’t pigeonhole children.’
Mad About The Boy will hit cinemas on Valentine’s day and with the second word uttered in the flick being ‘f**k’, viewers should expect to see Bridget come back in full force
The best-selling novel was adapted for the screen in 2001, and the sequel The Edge of Reason followed in 2004, and then Bridget Jones’s Baby hit cinemas in 2016
In all iterations of the franchise, Bridget is known for her obsessive calorie counting, chain-smoking and love of wearing big knickers
As the trailer unravels, Bridget’s romance with Roxster heats up and the pair have ‘mindblowing sex’ after a date.
However, Bridget is left confused as flirtatious meetings with Mr Wallaker increase and she eventually stumbles into a barn to find him half-naked.
The movie was officially confirmed last year, with the script being penned by author Helen, Abi Morgan and Dan Mazer, and Michael Morris as director.
With her signature blend of charm and relatable messiness, Bridget shows that finding ‘happily ever after’ might be less about perfection and more about finding joy in the journey.
Leo Woodall is supporting Red Nose Day by wearing sweatshirts and T-shrirts from the incredible line-up of chari-tees, featuring iconic designs from seven collaborations, available at TK Maxx stores and online at tkmaxx.com from February 2025 to raise money for Comic Relief.
For the full interview, please see this week’s Radio Times
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