With roles in television series such as Coronation Street and No Angels, Jessica Barden has also made a mark in cinema with memorable roles in the films Tamara Drewe, Hanna, Far from the Madding Crowd, and The Lobster.
However, the 27-year-old Yorkshire native hit the big time with her starring role in the quirky Channel 4/Netflix co-production The End of the F***ing World, which saw her as one half of a fugitive teenage couple with a dynamic that can be described as strange, to say the least.
Now Barden can be seen in the thought-provoking film Scarborough, which focuses on two couples who check into a run-down hotel on the sea-front in Scarborough. Two of the people involved are in their teens (Barden, Jordan Bolger) and the other two are their teachers (Edward Hogg, Jodhi May).
The dynamics of these relationships are dramatically tested over two weekends in Scarborough.
Mirror Online spoke to the rising star about the new film and how the role of Alyssa in The End of the F***ing World has changed her career.
The British actress revealed she loved the script for the Scarborough early on, but her involvement in the film almost didn't happen.
Jessica Barden reveals: "I auditioned for Barnaby [Southcombe, director], read the script, it was such a fantastic role and I got the job but then I got the role in The End of the F***ing World and they clashed so I had to resign the role to do the show and I was devastated."
However, thankfully that all changed.
"Halfway through The End of the F***ing World, I stalked Barnaby until he changed the schedule so I could do it and it worked out," laughs Barden. "It was a complicated road to film but I was massively grateful to see it through."
On being drawn to the role of Beth, Barden reveals: "I was interested in playing Beth, a version of a woman I've never played before, and how it explored the relationships with a younger woman and then with a younger guy.
She adds: "I liked that Beth was not a good person throughout I loved how flawed she was and not a particularly nice person all the time."
"I hope that people are quite shocked by what they see," says Barden, "I think the way it explores sexuality in men and women and in relationships is really interesting, so I hope people will be made to feel quite uncomfortable by it and that it starts a conversation about young people, gender and when they get into romantic relationships. That is what drew me to the film."
The actress also spoke about how The End of the F***ing World has transformed her acting career.
"I have so many more work opportunities and get to read so many more scripts," she explains. "I'm really having a good time with it. It's made my life a lot busier and you never know how long this time is going to last for so it's changed my career."
The actress is remaining tight-lipped about what to expect from the second season of The End of the F***ing World, however, which is back in November.
"I am in it. I play Alyssa," she quips.
So, lots more James and Alyssa goodness to come!
Scarborough is in cinemas now.
The End of the F***ing World season 2 is released on Netflix in November 2019.
