#and everyone's all what a great siblings episode [heart emoji]

[altschmerzes]

also this seems...... wildly out of character for albert imo. like, not in a sense that ‘a character i like is doing something i think is wrong’ bc i know the difference between ‘i don’t like it’ and ‘it’s unrealistic,’ but in the sense that we have never seen him speak positively of his and chim’s dad and they do Not seem close. for there to be like.......... no development there and then suddenly he’s doing This, it just doesn’t track to me at all. i don’t buy it. it’s like- both assuming that it’s obvious this is something someone would think was a Good And Moral Thing To Do (which seems to be where the LessonTM of this little arc is building o) and that it’s a thing that albert specifically would obviously do. and just..... i am not convinced. at all.

[nyangibun]

GoT S07E01 Thoughts

I don’t know if this will be a regular occurrence, but for the first episode, I’m going to be laying out my thoughts about the premiere in what will probably be a lengthy post that’s half gibberish and half maybe something substantial. Undoubtedly, not eloquent. These are just thoughts and nothing more that I’ve jotted down while watching and am now about to elaborate on. 

Let’s begin with what has to be one of the most epic intros in Game of Thrones ever. No, I don’t want to hear your counter. You will not sway me on this. I don’t care, mate, because this scene was bloody awesome. The minute Filch Walder Frey’s face popped up, I knew it was Arya and I knew shit was about to go down. Now nobler humans might be like ‘Oh, Arya is going down a dark path; this is bad’ but her gathering all of the Freys in one room was poetic justice. What they did at the Red Wedding warranted retaliation and this has been a long time coming. 

It was beautiful the way it happened too – a dark sadistic glee washed over you as you watch a room full of men choke on their drinks as Arya stands there telling them they should’ve killed all the Starks, and “leave one wolf alive and the sheep are never safe.” 

Look, people really hated that line prior to the premiere, but in context, it was wonderful, it was justified, it was so unbelievably satisfying. Then when Arya goes, “tell them the North remembers; tell them Winter came for House Frey”, you bet I got goosebumps. Like I’ve said time and time again, ‘Winter is Coming’ is not just a warning, but it’s a battle cry for the Starks. This is their season. When the world dies, the lands become barren and the knights of Summer struggle to survive, the North prevails, and the Starks are at the helm of this changing tide. It’s their time now, and beginning it with Arya avenging the loss of her family is a truly poignant way to set the tone for the rest of the season. Yes, we’ll see Cersei and Dany duking it out, but at the end of the day, this is about the Starks. 

The next thing I jotted down was ‘zombie giants’, which is just to say that: holy shit, there are zombie giants! Seeing the sheer number of White Walkers, it makes you realise how utterly inconsequential Cersei and Dany’s fight for the Iron Throne is. There won’t be a kingdom to govern when those icy bastards get past the Wall, and believe you me, they will eventually. No matter what anyone says, that Wall is coming down probably at the end of this season. 

Seeing Dolorous Edd as Lord Commander gave me goosebumps as well. I adore him; I love him, and I swear to god if he dies, I will kick someone’s ass, so he’s probably going to die. But him meeting Bran and Meera made my heart race. They are so close to Winterfell and we’re so close to another Stark reunion. Also, hey Bran, I know the world is ending but cheer up, pal. 

Now we get to the highly talked about scene with Jon and the Northern houses. First of all, I felt so euphoric when Jon told the North that they would need every man and woman, boy and girl fighting in this battle. Even more so when Lyanna spoke up and basically told the men in the room to shut up about it. Her “I don’t need your permission to defend the North!” speech was seriously my top five favourite moments of the episode. The look of pride on Brienne’s face as well. I wonder, however, if this means Sansa might learn how to fight? I don’t see it. She’s a diplomat, a politician, but she should know some self-defence. Jon should teach her. Late at night. Alone. Some flirty teaching.... I’m getting sidetracked. 

Speaking of Jon and Sansa though, can I just say to that redditor who apparently saw the first episode: ‘Hey buddy, you were wrong! And if you interpreted that scene as Jon putting Sansa in her place then you really are a sexist creep.’ Because while yes, Sansa does argue with Jon in public and Jon does tell her his word is final, he in no way puts her in her place. And there is no moment where the other Houses laugh at her. In fact, going by the murmurs of agreement, quite a large amount of lords and ladies wanted Jon to give Umber and Karstark lands to the houses who didn’t fight for Ramsay. 

I also want to clarify something here before anti’s get all up in arms about this scene (not that I think any of them follow me or stalk my blog but if you do: hi, how are ya?). While I do agree with Jon’s decision, in the end, I also understand Sansa’s opinion on the matter. If I had gone through what she had under the ministrations of Ramsay and knew that these Houses who have sworn up and down in the past to fight for the Starks sided with him, I’d be furious. There wouldn’t be a damn thing anyone could say to me to get me to forgive their indifference and compliance in the trauma I went through. Sansa has every right to want to strip the Umbers and Karstarks of their land. I can even understand being angry with Jon for not understanding this, but here’s the thing, she wasn’t.

Immediately after this extremely public argument, it cuts to a scene of Jon and Sansa talking about it. They didn’t fight, let the emotions fester and build up resentment. No, Jon and Sansa talked it out. He told her not to undermine him in public and she told him a king needed to be questioned lest he ends up like Joffrey. Then when he asks her if she thinks he’s like Joffrey, her eyes lose that fight and there’s fondness in it, as she tells him firmly that he is the furthest man from Joffrey she had ever known. Although they’re arguing and disagreeing on important political decisions, there’s fondness and trust and respect in the way they talk to each other. 

What I find interesting is that after Jon and Sansa’s scene, they cut straight away to Jaime and Cersei. Two pair of (sort of) siblings and yet two vastly different relationships. The placement of these two scenes is no coincidence. The two relationships act as literary foils for one another. Both are fighting and arguing, but in contrast, Jaime and Cersei are clearly on very different paths from one another. There’s wariness, disbelief, and disappointment in the way Jaime looks at Cersei; and she is so consumed with her grief, anger, power, she can’t see that he is questioning her very right to be on the throne. They are shot as two opposing figures circling each other with lots of space in between them. On the other hand, Jon and Sansa were shot close together, always within inches from another, with dimmer lighting, and more physicality (ie. Sansa touching his arm to assure him and let him know she may argue but she is on his side). 

Don’t dismiss the sequence of these scenes. Nothing in this show is a coincidence. 

Moving on, I love Sam and I am so excited to see him again, but dear lord, that was the most disgusting series of shots ever. I felt physically ill. Please never again. But I wonder if he discovers the dragon glass at Dragonstone this early in the season, what else will he uncover in the Citadel? There’s definitely more in store for Sam’s storyline and I wonder if it might be something to do with R+L=J. People have theorised about Sam confirming it somehow. We’ll see, I guess.

Nothing really of substance to say about the Brienne, Podrick and Tormund scene, but it made me laugh out loud. Tormund is the physical embodiment of the heart eyes emoji. And his “you’re a lucky man” to Podrick when he gets knocked down by Brienne was such great comedic timing and brilliantly hilarious. 

I wish I could play this next scene on a loop. Sansa telling Littlefinger off has to be the greatest ‘screw you’ to all the people clambering for StarkBowl just because they don’t like Sansa. I love when she says to him, and I’m paraphrasing here, “you don’t have to get the last word. I’m sure it’s probably something clever” and just dismisses him like he’s nothing, which he is. It was so queenly, so regal and so cutting. It was exactly like Sansa. She may not have a sword, but her tongue is sharp enough to wound. 

The biggest surprise of the episode was seeing bloody Ed Sheeran. When we heard the singing, I said that whoever that was had a great voice, and low and behold, it’s bloody Ed. I knew there was a huge musical guest star but this totally surprised me. I love this scene though. Arya’s always been on a very rigid path for vengeance. Those who serve the Lannisters are in the wrong and there’s no grey area about it, but you can see her sitting there listening to these men caught in someone else’s war longing to be home with their fathers, wives, daughters, etc. and realise that they are victims of this war just like everyone else. I wonder how that’ll change (if it does at all) Arya’s journey towards vengeance because truth be told, I am worried about her this season. Next on her list is Cersei, but we all know Cersei will either die by the hand of Jaime or by Tyrion (probably Jaime), so where will that leave Arya? Will she give up her quest and head home to Winterfell? Or will she die trying? 

You know what? I do like the Hound. I like his redemption arc. And although I don’t believe it makes up for all the bad shit he did prior to it, I am intrigued to see where he goes from here. Also, this line is hilarious: “it’s my luck I'd end up with a band of fire lovers.” 

Now, what I’m about to say people might nitpick with me being an anti-Dany person, but honestly, I’m not. I just thought the whole Dragonstone sequence was incredibly boring. It was exciting the first thirty seconds, but it dragged on for so long. Then when she stands at the table and says, “shall we begin?” it was just so anticlimactic. It was the dullest part of the episode and I’m hoping it gets more interesting for her soon. Actually, no doubt it will be considering this is her make or break moment, but let’s be honest, that sequence was way too long. 

Anyway, I’m done. Those are my thoughts. Let me know what you guys think!

[whyldkratts]

for the ask meme: all of them, but if thats too much maybe just the last 10?

Sorry for the long post aaaa1: Let’s start with a tricky one; what is the real reason you are confused right now? [I bought lottery tickets bc I was in texas and they’re not legal where I live and the cashier at the gas station didn’t even ask for my id. I tried to show him and he just shook his head and let me go???? He didnt even care wtf]2: Do you ever get “good morning” texts from anyone? [Nah]3: If your significant other smoked pot, would you care? [Yea a little bit. I mean if it was just occasionally that’s probably fine? But a lot of my family has fucked up their entire lives with drugs so anything like that is iffy for me. It depends on how often they smoke ultimately]4: Do you find it easy to trust others? [I’d say yeah, probably. As long as you don’t fuck me over or guilt me within the first few weeks of knowing me id probably feel comfortable messaging you if I needed someone to talk to]5: What were you doing at 11PM last night? [Scrolling Tumblr]6: You’re drunk and lost walking down the road; who is with you? [Probably my irl bffs lindy and raven!]7: What would you do if you found out you had been cheated on? [Dump them. Adios fucker. I hope they’re happy with whoever they cheated on me with]8: Are you close with your dad? [Yeah I’d say so? I love him and he usually let’s me do my thing]9: I bet you kissed someone last night, right? [Nah]10: What are you listening to? [Run by hozier]11: You can only drink ONE liquid for the rest of your life - what is it? [Sweet tea!!!! I’m from the south baby]12: Do you like hickeys? [Never has one so I don’t know!]13: What time do you go to bed? [Uhhhhhh 5am?]14: Is there someone who continuously lets you down? [My siblings.]15: Can you text as quickly with one hand as you do both? [Nope I fuck up spelling a lot and have to go back and fix it no matter how many hands I’m typing with]16: Do you always answer your texts? [I try!! Unless I’m emotionally tired or forget]17: Do you hate the person you fell the hardest for? [No. She’s my best friend now, actually]18: When was the last time you talked to one of your best friends? [LIKE 3 MINUTES AGO I was complaining about how long it car ride home is]19: Is there someone that makes you happy every time you see them? [My irlbest friends, the cars discord chat I’m in, and a lot of my wk friends]20: What was your last thought before you went to bed last night? [I was writing ducktales fanfiction in my head]21: Is anyone else in the room with you? [I’m in a car with my mom for the next uhhh 7 hours?]22: Do you believe what goes around comes around? [Karmas a bitch]23: Were you happier four months ago than you are now? [I was visiting family in Indiana, so yea probably? Tho I am pretty happy now too]24: Is there someone you wish you could fix things with? [Sometimes, with my old pal cat. She did some bad things so I stopped talking to her, but sometimes I want to catch up and see how she’s doing.]25: In the past week, have you cried? [YEAH over a darkwing duck episode]26: What colour is the shirt you are wearing? [Grey. It has Mickey mouse on it!]27: Do people ever call you by your last name? [Noooope]28: Is anyone ignoring you right now? [I wouldn’t know]29: Do you have a best friend? [YEAH everyone in the cars discord and raven and lindy]30: Would it be hard seeing someone else kiss the last person you kissed? [No it was my great grandma lol]31: Who was your last call/text message from? [Call: red cross asking for my blood. Text: raven saying “dang”]32: Are you mad at anyone? [Not really? I don’t get angry very easily at all]33: Have you ever kissed someone older than you? [When I was a freshman I was dating a junior]34: How old will the last person you kissed be on his/her next birthday? [My great grandma! 88 I think]35: How many more days until your birthday? [LIKE a whole entire year. August 2nd]36: Do you have any summer plans yet? [Help my friend after her spine surgery p much. Visit family around the 4th of july]37: Do you have any good friends of the opposite sex? [I have tons of girl friends!! All my best friends are girls (except em but they’re a good friend still!!!)]38: Are you keeping anything from your best friend(s) now? [Lindy doesn’t know I’m trans]39: Do you have a secret that you’ve never told anyone? [Uhhhhhhhhhhh next question]40: Have you ever regretted kissing someone? [I try not to regret things like that]41: Do you think age matters in relationships? [UH YEAH?? An adult dating a minor ain’t my deallll]42: Are you available? [Lmfao yeah but don’t hold your breath I’m awful at relationships]43: How many people have you had real, strong feelings for since high school ended? [My ex and bff dksdkdiajsai kill Me. I’ve had small crushes but I don’t rly let them grow too much if I realize they’re poppin up]44: If you had to get a piercing (not ears), what would you get? [Septum]45: Do you believe exes can be friends? [Yeah!!!!! I just reconnected with my ex from freshmen year and he’s cool]46: Do you regret anything? [Times where my mouth moved before my head could think and I hurt someone I cared about. Times where I didn’t listen. Times where I hesitated. But the past is a different country, and I try not to waste the present lamenting what I could’ve done.]47: Honestly, what’s on your mind right now? [Home. And the mistakes I’ve made.]48: Did you ever lose a best friend? [Yeah. She moved away and we just… talked less, and less, and less.]49: Was your last kiss a mistake? [Nah it was my great grandma]50: Why aren’t you pursuing the person you like? [They have a bf and also dont like me plus im unlovable and bad at relationships and feelings *shrug emoji* the other person I’m interested in lives too far away and also doesn’t like me like that]51: Has the last person you kissed ever seen you cry? [Twas my gg and probably when I was a baby]52: Do you still talk with the person you LAST kissed? [All these last kiss ones are so angsty and sad and it was literally my grandma 5 hours ago I’m laughing]53: What was the last thing you ate? [McDonald’s French fries!!!!!]54: Did you get any compliments today? [Nah I’m in my road trip attire so I look like a mess]55: Where are you going on your next vacation? [New Orleans in October for voodoo fest!! Gonna see the foo fighters B)]56: Do you own anything from other countries?[I think I have Canadian money somewhere…]57: Are most of your friend guys or girls?[girls!!]58: Where have you lived most of your life?[Sweet Home Alabama]59: When was the last time you took a long drive?[DOING IT RN!!!!! 13 HOURS]60: Have you ever played Spin the Bottle?[yea but it was like, mashed up with truth or dare. Instead of kissing we asked them truth or dare]61: Have you ever TPd someone’s house?[nah I’m pretty mild]62: Who do you text the most?[raven probably? Or max]63: What was the last movie you saw?[spirited away I think??? First time I ever saw it]64: What’s preventing your current boyfriend/girlfriend from going back to their ex?[I’m single, don’t remind me :P]65: How many boyfriends/girlfriends did you have in 2011?[I was 12 and right smack dab in the middle of my ugly awkward phase (thays still going on today!) So I had none lmao]66: Is the last person you kissed younger than you?[nah]67: Do you curse around your parents?[GOOD LORD NO]68: Are you happy with where you live?[I? Hate Alabama. My city is okay but I want to move somewhere nicer]69: Picture of yourself? [I have a selfie tag. I would upload but I’m lazy. Maybe if I find a pic I like later I will]70: Are you a monogamous person or do you believe in open-ended relationships?[polyamory All the wayy!!!!! But monogamy is cool too]71: Have you ever been dumped?[probably in elementary school but I don’t remember? I usually am the one to end it bc I get freaked out and skittish around people genuinely caring about me so I break it up before they’re disappointed]72: What do you most like about making out?[being comfortable and close enough with someone to do it.]73: Have you ever casually made out with someone who you weren’t seriously involved with?[yup!]74: When you kiss someone for the first time, is it usually you who initiates it or the other?[depends? I’ve asked to kiss someone and I’ve been asked equal amounts.]75: What part of a person’s body do you find most attractive?[eyes? Idk there’s a lot that goes into finding someone attractive it’s hard to narrow it down]76: Who was the last person you talked to last night before you went to bed?[my mom]77: Had sex with someone you knew less than an hour?[virgin]78: Had sex with someone you didn’t know their name?[virgin]79: What makes your heart flutter and brings a big cheesy smile to your face?[Any cartoon character I’m currently hyperfixated on]80: Would you get involved with someone if they had a child already?[yes. But i would go slow and I wouldn’t want to meet their child until we were both sure this was something we wanted long term.]81: Has someone who had a crush on you ever confessed to you?[no its usually me? Wait i take that back!! One girl did while I was in hs but I’m pretty sure she only did it bc she just figured out her sexuality and I was queer and there.]82: Do you tell a lot of people when you have a crush?[nope I bottle that shit up!!!! But if it’s a long standing crush I’ll tell a few people eventually]83: Do you miss your last sweetie?[No.]84: Last time you slow danced with someone?[my friend Franklin at prom. We pretended to be spies on a mission forced to act casual as we scoped out potential enemies]85: Have you ever ‘dated’ someone you’ve never met?[??? Don’t like the skeptical quote marks. I’ve been in long distance relationships before, yes.]86: How can I win your heart?[just like…… be nice to me, ever, and I’m into it. Talk about things you like, ask me about things I like, try and get into/understand my interests and I’ll do the same?? Don’t make fun of me and don’t belittle my interests. The bar is low]87: What is your astrological sign?[leo]88: What were you doing last night at 12 AM?[sleeping]89: Do you cook?[pasta!!!!!!!]90: Have you ever gotten back in touch with an old flame after a time of more than 3 months of no communication?[yeah!!! 3 years of no talking and I reconnected with max recently]91: If you’re single right now, do you wish you were in a relationship?[uh it’s complicated. Yes but idk if I’m in a good place for a relationship. I haven’t even begun to transition at all.]92: Do you prefer to date various people or do you pretty much fall into monogamous relationships quickly?[you say that like I could get multiple people to date me]93: What physical traits do you look for in a potential interest?[nice dress style?? Glasses are good too. Idk questions like this are hard augh]94: Name four things that you wish you had![money, a job, plush darkwing duck toy, a car]95: Are you a player?[no]96: Have you ever kissed 2 people in one day?[nooooope]97: Are you a tease?[hahahahaha no]98: Ever meet anyone you met on Tumblr?[nope!!! Not yet]99: Have you ever been deeply in love with someone?[maybe. But I don’t think you can love someone too deeply who doesn’t love you back]100: Anybody on Tumblr that you’d go on a date with?[sure, plenty]101: Hugs or Kisses?[both??? Both is good]102: Are you too shy to ask someone out?[It’s Not shyness, it’s rejection I have a problem with]103: The first thing you notice about the opposite sex?[girls are pretty]104: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you babe?[Yeah I guess]105: If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was in relationship, would you go for it?[If it was an open relationship and everyone knew the situation, then yea prob?? If not, then no.]106: Do you flirt a lot?[not really]107: Your last kiss?[my grandmaaaaa]108: Have you kissed more than 5 people since the start of 2012?[not in a romantic way]109: Have you kissed anyone in the past month?[not in a romantic way]110: If you could kiss anyone who would it be?[next question]111: Do you know who you’ll kiss next?[nope!! It’s a hopefully nice surprise for future me]112: Does someone like you currently?[probably not lol but ive got no idea!!]113: Do you currently have feelings for anyone?[sure]114: Do you like to be in serious relationships or just flings?[I want to fall in love.]115: Ever made out with just a friend?[yeah]116: Are you happier single or in a relationship?[in a relationship I think?]117: Your own question that you want me to answer. Just write it.[just send me an ask and ill answer it]

This got a bit of self hatred dashed in there whoops sorry!!!

[gemsfromagemini]

What Makes Me Happy?

In no particular order, the following list is comprised of various things that will inevitably make me happy! If any of them would make you smile too, let me know and I just may send ya something! Enjoy!

1.  (Animal Style) Cheeseburgers. Oh. My. Gawwwd, gworl. Any time of day, any day of the week, a cheeseburger (Animal Style) will put me in a better mood. And if I’m already in a good mood, one of these precious lil thangs will only make me happier. And ready for a nap. From the buttery, lightly toasted bun, to the chunky spread, && all the way through to the bottom bun, it’s a penny from Heaven. The Animal Style I speak of is not some dirty variation that cannot be spoken of at the dinner table- its grilled onions, extra pickles, + a mustard-grilled patty. Now that sounds basic but considering how basic and boujee In-N-Out already is, any variation could only make it better! Click the link to check out more items from my favorite burger joint’s not-so-secret secret menu. http://www.in-n-out.com/menu/not-so-secret-menu.aspx \

**Bonus: In-N-Out also does animal style to their fries! That’s right- hot, crispy, made-to-order French fries topped with grilled onions, cheese, + more of that yummy spread! Top with ketchup for a true delight!

2.  My Framily. That’s a combo of friends + family that I learned from some trivial cellphone commercial way back in the day. My nieces and nephews are a delight to be around, hear about, and just think of on a bad day. I’m blessed to be their Titi and I hope my kids are as cool as they all are. My siblings. A hoot. A riot. A ball. And the youngest one- she doesn’t get a title but she is just as important. LOL.  But they encourage me && inspire me && if I’m ever feeling down, they are there to pick me right back up. Or tell me to pick my own fat a** up because they ain’t gonna do it.

Bonus: My friends! They’re the FR part of family. I call my main squad the A-Team: Ali, Asia, Ashley, and Ashley. Those friends make me feel like a magical, ethereal unicorn when life has me beat down and feeling like a jackass.

3.  Listening to music! Just the other day (Monday the 13th, actually) I discovered this artist that my sister has been trying to put me on for months: 6lack. (http://www.free6lack.com) She says “black“, I say “six-lack”, we both say he has really soothing and cool music. He falls into this new genre that most call trap R&B. Also currently loving Khalid, Molly Bang, and Daniel Caesar. A staple in my music arsenal is the talented, top of the charts, too cool for high school (he dropped out) crooner.¦.THE WEEKND. He holds a special place in my heart as his music helped me out of a very dark place in my life and… I met him. And he said he loved me. So {{the weeknd}}, along with other amazing artist make me VERY happy. 

4.    Netflix Binges!Who doesn’t love a good session on the couch or propped up in the bed, going through episode after episode after 2 A.M., chocolate-fudge eating episode of a good Netflix series!? It’s a Godsend, honestly. And the only thing that would make it better is if they added maybe 5 or 6 of those AWESOME Black shows from the 90s/early 2000s. Sister, Sister. Living Single. Smart Guy. Girlfriends. One on One. Any of those would suffice. All would be best. *mic drizzop*

5.    Praise dancing!. Whether it’s watching the children of !Wayside Christian Church!, catching a holy ghost-filled baby on YouTube, or creating && performing a piece with my ultra-talented baby sister. I love to watch people honor && glorify the Lord through dance. Dance is something that is just about as old as time. Native groups danced to bring rain && fertilize their lands. African indigenous people danced to celebrate the earth && what it had given them. And now, we dance to give praise to God. Kind of all sounds the same when you think about it.

 **Bonus: God. All by Himself. Thinking of God’s grace and mercy that has covered me all my life && that brings me joy like nothing I’ve ever known. To be loved by God is a greater love than any human could match.

 6.   Being appreciated makes me hella happy. Is this a bit shallow? Yes. But is it true for me and you? Probably so. It feels really good on the inside to hear someone tell you how happy you make them && how grateful they are for you. As someone who has battled low self-esteem in the past (yesterday), reminders of how worthy I am of my place on earth or how much of an impact I have on someone else’s life make a WHALE of a difference in my day.

 7.    Tacos! Hard shell. Soft shell. Street style. Tex-Mex style. Asada. Chicken. Lingua. Sour cream. Guacamole. Tomatoes. I LOVE TACOS. And yes, they make me happy. While I’ve already mentioned my most *favorite* food item, this is definitely a close 2nd.. It’s a cultural gift that we are forever grateful to our Southern family for.

8.   Hugs make me happy. A good squeeze from someone who cares about you or a bonding end to a great encounter with a stranger, hugs are something we often overlook. I live alone so I don’t do as much hugging as I’d like. I talk to people every day, sure, it’s a part of my job. But do I interact && receive that warmth + security that is offered with a hug? HECK NO! So when I get a good hug, I appreciate it. And it makes me so happy!

9.   Nerdy Black Boys. Oh the joy that THEY bring! Whew! Everyone has their preference + type && sure there are a rainbow of men that make give me heart eyes emojis but something about a darkskinded brotha telling me about a new anime or his favorite character to use in Overwatch really makes my ovaries scream. In my 30 years, I have not met a *ton* of hot, Black nerds who are in to gaming, mangas, and the like so when I meet one, it makes me EXTREMELY happy.

10.  WRITING! Bet ya weren’t expecting that one, were ya? Blogging. Journaling. Leaving silly comments on Facebook. All of those things (except the last one, I kid) make me happy! I love expressing myself in the written form, whether it be typed or handwritten. It’s a way of communication that people have lost respect for. I also enjoy writing books. A new chapter or an A-ha” moment in a fantastic short story will make me smile for hours on end. It is the delight in my own brilliance that gives me that smile.

[titoslondon-blog]

New Post has been published on Titos London

#Blog New Post has been published on http://www.titoslondon.com/the-2017-hot-list-instyles-annual-rising-stars-portfolio-of-the-names-you-need-to-know/

The 2017 Hot List: InStyle's Annual Rising Stars Portfolio Of The Names You Need To Know

Bill Milner

Age: 21

Originally from… Surrey, UK

You’ll recognise him… as that kid in the hilarious Son of Rambow (Bill was only 12 when he landed the role) He’s since gone onto to star in X-Men: First Class and Anthropoid plus this month makes his Netflix debut alongside Maisie Williams in iBoy, the streaming service’s first movie based on Kevin Brooks’s 2010 young adult novel, about a teenager who gains iPhone -related superpowers.

Can you remember what the first VHS or DVD you bought?

When I was 13 or 14 years old I started watching films properly. My friend and I were obsessed with Christopher Nolan’s Batman. That one of the first times I realised films could have a deeper kind of story and started to notice the difference between huge blockbusters and Indie.

Do you think Netflix is starting a whole new genre?

Yeah, the consumer is so different now. It’s given us a great opportunity for long-form storytelling. People kind of think it’s ‘binging’ if you watch three episodes on television but really that’s like 2-3 hours, that’s a film! And if you do that a few nights in a row you’ve watched like 9 hours of a story and you are really following the characters. I would rather prefer an opportunity to do a series to really get in deep with the character. That’s more exciting!

What was it like making iBoy?

I was surprised how much more creative control Netflix give. They were quite happy for us to do what we wanted with regards to how far we took the language and how dark we wanted it to be.

Do you think you’re going to recognized a lot more because of its reach?

Hmmm maybe. It’s exciting that it’s always going to be online. Like in ten years time people could still be stumbling across it.

What word do you always overuse?

Well I know that in interviews a lot of actors use word “exciting” which I’m guilty of too. Like ‘I’m excited to work with them’ and ‘this is a really exciting project!’ Everything is always ‘exciting.’

What was the last lie you told?

I’m much of a liar really. If I have to lie…hmmm I actually just avoid it. Like if someone says: ‘Oh are you free this week?’ and I just don’t want to see them I just don’t text them back. It’s avoiding but also I’m being honest.

Tell us your signature cocktail?

Whiskey sours. I made them last night. My top tip? Don’t use pre-squeezed lemon juice, you have to squeeze the lemons yourself. I know it’s long but it make a big difference.

Your top three most used emojis?

That laughy-cry one. A heart. And the nail paint, for when you want to just snap someone out.

Pearl Mackie

Age: 29

Originally from… London

You’ll recognize her from… West End hit The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and BBC’s daytime soap Doctors. But you’re going to be seeing way more of her in 2017 when she makes her Doctor Who debut as Peter Capaldi’s companion.

Was acting always the career plan?

Always! Apparently when I was five my mum was washing my hair on a Sunday night before school in front of Saint Louis. Judy Garland was singing the trolley song and I turned to my mum and said I want to do that.

Where were you when you got the Doctor Who call to say you’d got it?

At home with my housemate. The whole process was mad. At the recall I read with Peter and it was all really hush hush, the whole process was like being in M15. Then my agent called me to tell me I got it. There were tears. I had to call her back and say ‘look I’ve imagined that moment a lot so please can you tell me it did actually happen!’

Have you met any fans yet?

They’re incredible. I went to Comic Con in New York and there was a girl dressed exactly like me. The trailer I appear in is only two minutes long but she had really nailed it.

Has anyone given you any good advice?

On my first day of filming Jenna Coleman sent me a bunch of flowers with a note saying that I didn’t need any advice but if she was to tell me anything it would be something that Karen has passed onto her. And that was to tell me not to eat the faggots in the canteen. They had them on the menu the other day and I was like no way!

How do you feel about Peter leaving?

I’m so sad but I’m just happy I got to work with him. He’s such a generous actor. I’m very new to camera acting and all the technical stuff and he will always check if I’m ok. We really get into the scenes and he’s very open to my opinions.

Your go-to karaoke song?

Journey’s Don't Stop Believing. That’s embarrassing.

Word or phrase you overuse?

Literally. I literally use it all the time.

Trait you value most in your friends?

Honesty. Even if I look like shit I’d rather you’d tell me.

Monday motivation?

I love those quotes on Instagram. Mine would be ‘This too shall pass.’ It’s not always going to be Monday. Just get up and go.

Go to cocktail?

I’m a classic gin and tonic gal. I love a Hendricks with a slice of cucumber.

Blake Harrison

Age: 21

Originally from… London

You’ll recognise him from… The Inbetweeners, where Blake played the hilarious dopey Neil for seven years and last year starred alongside Catherine Zeta Jones and Bill Nighy in the cinematic remake of Dad’s Army. Next up he’s swapping comedy for drama taking on roles in ITV’s Prime Suspect prequel Tennison and BBC thriller Trust Me.

Do you still get lots of people stopping you in the street and asking you to do Neil impressions from the Inbetweeners?

There’s a lot. But you know, that’s just the test of the time. I can’t knock it, it’s just is what it is.

Was it hard to avoid being typecast?

Some people are so into the show that they are quite disappointed when they realize you’re not quite that character. But I feel quite lucky with my next roles. In Tennison I play a hot-tempered police officer in the 70s. And in Trust Me I play a recovering alcoholic. That’s really the fun of acting, playing a variety of roles with different types of people.

And now you’re venturing into directing too?

My lovely wife wrote a play and I thought I’d love to make it into a short film. Directing was always something I had in mind but I’m just starting and quickly learning that there is a lot more to it than I originally thought. The note sessions with my wife are interesting too!!

What’s your signature cocktail?

We had Christmas party last year and I made eggnog for the first time and it was delicious. I just followed a recipe off the Internet. It went down incredibly well. That was a real surprise for everyone involved.

What’s the most romantic thing your wife has done for you?

She tried to throw a surprise party for me but she was really rubbish at keeping it a secret. But she tried and that was romantic. I did something really great for our proposal. I made our mutual friend pretend to book a holiday to Paris and then tell us they couldn’t go so did we want the tickets. Then I got my parents involved so when my wife called them to ask them to look after our daughter they were like ‘Oh this is very last minute…’ When we got to Paris I got down on one knee outside the Sacre-Coeur. She was totally shocked.

What are the most used emoji you’ve got?

I don’t like using them. At my age I slightly missed them. But I sometimes use the monkey covering his eyes. Maybe my vocabulary is too small but I can’t think of something that describes the monkey covering its eyes in just one word.

Tom Bateman

Age: 28

Originally from… Oxford, UK

You’ll recognise him… as the violent table-smashing Robert Jekyll in ITV’s Jekyll and Hyde and as a handsome and hilarious Shakespeare in the stage adaption of Tom Stoppard’s Shakespeare In Love. Next up you’ll see him playing Amy Schumer’s love interest in Snatched and he stars as Bouc in the 2017 version of Murder On The Orient Express alongside Johnny Depp.

So was acting always the plan?

I grew up in Oxford, that’s where my fake posh accent comes from! I wanted to be a thousand different things but I didn’t have the commitment to do any of them. But my family is all very creative so it stems from there. I’ve got thirteen siblings!

Hang on, what?

I’ve got a twin, we’re not identical but my baby brother actually really looks like me. And then there are 10 others. Some are half siblings.

What do they think of your career?

I come from a very modest background so when I told my parents they said: ‘We can’t support you but chase what makes you happy.’ I think that is good advice. They were very happy that I found something that I loved doing for living.

You’ve come straight to tonight’s party from the set of Murder On The Orient Express. What’s it like?

Stunning! Before Christmas we were filming on a 70ft high mountain range. All the action takes place on and around the train. My character Bouc owns the train and is Poirot’s best friend. I help him in solving the case.

You’re working with some pretty impressive co-stars?

It’s like Hollywood royalty. We’ve got like Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench, Olivia Colman, and then there’s Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley and Penelope Cruz too. So it’s basically everyone! I had to do a scene which was a speech in front of the whole cast and I said ‘this is like being at the at Oscars.’

In Snatched you star alongside Amy Schumer. Is she as hilarious IRL?

She is great! She is absolutely hugely intelligent and also very sensitive. A real laughing person to those around her. But she is actually quite shy if you really get to know her.

Has a co-star ever given you good advice?

You learn by seeing. Working with Judi Dench, I mean she is heaven on Earth. The way she treats people as well as acts, you think this is who I aspire to be.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

I once won a competition once with Easy – Commodores.

What word or phrase do you overuse?

Probably ‘Lots of love.’ I say it to everyone!

What’s your go-to cocktail?

A Negroni. Go big or go home! And it’s the only one I can make.

Most used emojis?

I genuinely don’t know what those are. Are they like smiley faces? I don’t use those. I think they’re shortcuts and awful. I don’t really text, I like phone calls.

So you’re not into social media either?

No f**k that. I was and felt like I was selling my soul. I mean do we really need to see photos of what people are eating for breakfast?

From left – right: Sacha Dhawan, Rory Fleck-Byrne and Scott Arthur

Sacha Dhawan

Age: 33

Originally from… Stockport

You’ll know him from… 24: His big James Bond moment in Live Another Day, as well as gritty crime drama Line of Duty, and the period drama for fashionistas Mr. Selfridge

When did you first describe yourself as an actor?

I used to tap dance when I was a kid and the teacher said to my parents, ‘ His tap dancing’s not bad but he should really go into performing.’ She set me up with an agent in Manchester and soon after I was cast in a children’s series, Out of Sight, at the age of 12. So around about then, I guess.

Does the acting bug run in the family?

No but both of my parents are singers. My Dad is huge fan of Elvis so he sings and my Mum is a beautiful Indian singer. They’ve got more confidence to get up in front of the family than me. Because I’m an actor, they’re always trying to get me to do a monologue. I’m, like, guys, no WAY.

What was the first VHS/ DVD you bought?

Making Michael Jackson’s Thriller by Douglas Kirkland and also – this is really embarrassing – Dirty Dancing. Me and my sister used to watch it on endless repeat.

Have you ever had any on-set disasters?

Sometimes you think you’re invincible and, one time, I had to throw a guy over my shoulder. The producer said, ‘We’ll get you a double,’ but I was insistent on doing it myself. And then I went and dislocated my shoulder.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Summer Nights from the Grease soundtrack. I might even put it on Spotify on the way home.

What word or phrase do you overuse the most?

'Imagination’ and ‘mate.’ I call guys and girls ‘mate.’ It's a northern thing.

You’ve got friends coming around for drinks. Tell us your signature cocktail.

Espresso Martinis to perk everyone up a bit. Or set them up for a fall.

What’s the most romantic thing someone has done for you in London?

For my thirtieth, my significant other told me we were just going out for dinner. But she’d booked a restaurant and invited all of my closest friends, which was amazing given that she’d never even met half of them. It was perfect.

Rory Fleck-Byrne

Age: 27 Originally from… Ireland

You’ll recognise him… from films including The Quiet Ones and Vampire Academy plus this year you’ll spot him starring alongside Pierce Brosnan in thriller The Foreigner.

What was the fist VHS you bought? I think it was the Lion King. I feel so sorry for adults that didn’t watch it during their childhood. It is like the Lion King is our Hamlet.

What’s been your worst on-set disaster?

When I was doing a fight exam for a role my sword broke so I had to keep styling it out. I was trying to put it back together but couldn’t. I ended up with a bit of blade in my bare hand. I think I can handle anything after that.

Has a co-star ever given you some good advice?

Pierce Brosnan. He is a very open, connected and grounded individual. He kept saying to me: ‘Stay open, live well, be good to yourself. It was more about how I looked after myself as opposed to my career or how I acted. Just watching him was a lesson in itself really.

What’s your Monday morning motivation motto?

I watch Meryl Streep making her speech at the Golden Globes. That kind of shit that will get you out of bed.

Tell us your signature cocktail recipe? A Negroni. And I have just tried a chocolate Negroni for the first time. You just add a bit of Mozart chocolate Liqueur. Some mixologists think it is wrong, but I am all about it.

What are your three most used emojis? The dancing senorita, peace and the concrete face. It is so random

Scott Arthur Age: 23

You’ll recognise him from… his big-screen debut alongside Jack O’Connell in the harrowing The Somnambulists, and last year played the lead in Bridgend, a drama that explored a mysterious real life suicide cluster that took place in Wales. Next up he joins Shia Labeouf in Borg Vs McEnroe, that looks at the epic 1980 Wimbledon final match.

What was the fist VHS/ DVD you bought? I spent my pocket money on Wayne’s World. I loved Mike Myers as a child. And I remember going to Blockbuster with my parents and I begged and begged for them to buy the Lion King, It is my favourite Disney movie by far.

Tell us about the best advice a co-star has given you? Shia LaBeouf said to me ‘Do what you want and don’t do anything else’, which is what Brad Pitt had told him. A lot of actors get told to do what ever is given to you, and as much as I think that is sound advice, I think you need to be more responsible and have your own ownership over what you do. Always do what your gut tells you, if your gut is saying no, get out of there. Your gut will always tell you what is the truth, what is real and good and what is bullshit. Don’t do any old shit because you will either end up hating it or yourself in it.

What’s your go-to karaoke song? I am quite alternative, I like doing women’s songs like the Beautiful South. And being Welsh, the Stereophonics. It gets the crowd going, not like there is ever a crowd!

What word or phrase do you overuse the most? In Wales we basically say the word ‘mun’ at the end of a sentence. So you would say something like ‘For god’s sake, mun’. It is Welsh colloquialism. I swear a lot as well which is quite bad, but I read something the other day that intelligent people like to swear a lot so…

What’s your Monday morning motivation?

I don’t have my phone by my bed any more. I have an alarm clock instead. So if I am not doing anything I will just sleep and wake up when I want to wake up. If I have got work my alarm goes off, I shower, and then I check my phone. Because of this day and age, we all wake up and check our phones but I was like I can’t do this any more. I struggle some times but I do it.

What’s your go to getting ready for a party song? If I am going to a club I quite like hip hop, maybe a little bit of Drake or Kanye West. Anything that has a good beat or base and makes you go ‘F**k yeah I am loving this’.

Hermione Corfield Age: 23 Originally from… London You’ll know her from… Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation with Tom Cruise, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies plus war TV drama The Halcyon. This year she stars in xXx: Return of Xander Cage alongside Vin Diesel, and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, directed by Guy Ritchie.

What was the first VHS/DVD you bought? I was given Top Cat in my Christmas stocking when I was four years old. However, I remember I had actually wanted The Aristrocats but I just wrote on my list ‘the cat film’ so I ended up with Top Cat.

What has been your most challenging role? Playing Emma Garland in The Halcyon just due to the sheer volume of it. We filmed six days a week for five months. So stamina wise definitely that.

Have you ever had any funny on-set disasters? I have spilt coffee on myself multiple times. I’m always told to wear a dressing gown and don’t and then end up almost in tears saying ‘I am so so sorry I have done it again!’ And I corpse (film slang for spontaneous laughing) a lot as well. That is a big one for me!

What word or phrase do you overuse the most? ‘That’s it.’ I always say ‘that’s it.’ My friend from Wales is like where did you pick that up from it is so Welsh?

What’s your Monday morning motivation? Music. I just blast it on my speakers.

Tell us your signature cocktail recipe? I am quite good at making a mescal, lime coriander and chilli thing that I learnt in Mexico.

Eoin Macken

Age: 34

Originally from… Dublin

You’ll know him from… Sixteenth Century small screen romp The Tudors, TV fantasy series Merlin, and fast paced hospital drama The Night Shift

When did you first describe yourself as an ‘actor’

I still feel like I’m learning and becoming an actor. Make sense?

What was the first VHS/ DVD you bought?

The French film La Haine. I bought the special edition and I remember being very excited, because it was hard to get your hands on.

What’s been your most challenging role?

Killing Jesus with Kelsey Grammer, because I was playing Herod Antipas, an unlikeable character who put the thorns on Jesus’s head. It was my job to make the audience warm to him. I tried to understand him in terms of politics, how people are put in positions and you can’t always necessarily judge them.

Have you had any on-set accidents?

I cut up my wrist punching a window once. I was in character and I didn’t realise I’d actually sliced it open. I carried on filming when I really should have got it seen to. When I finally went to hospital the nurse had to reopen the wound and take the glass out. She gave me a big telling off.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Ice-Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice. It can’t really fail. People are genuinely amused even if you’re terrible.

What was the last lie you told?

That I’d be at this event in five minutes when I knew I was really half-an-hour away.

What word or phrase do you overuse the most?

You know?’ It’s in every other sentence.

What’s your Monday morning motivation?

Give me a pot of coffee with cinnamon and a newspaper on a Monday morning and I’m all set.

What’s your go-to getting ready for a party song?

Come Together by Primal Scream

You’ve got friends coming around for drinks. Tell us your signature cocktail.

Straight whisky. Then you know who you’re real friends are because they’ll drink it with you.

What are your top three most used emojis?

The smiley face with the wink, the one where the eyes look totally perplexed and the jazz hands. Usually all at once.

Patrick Gibson

Age: 21

Originally from… Ireland

You’ll recognise him from… The OA, where he plays the terrifying Steve Winchell, the deeply troubled bully who strikes up a friendship with Prairie played by Brit Marling. Next up he stars alongside Idris Elba and Abraham Lewis in Guerrilla plus he has landed the lead role The White Princess, the highly anticipated follow-up to historical drama series The White Queen

What was the first VHS/DVD you bought? Donny Darko. It is to this day one of my favourite films. I remember I got a portable DVD for Christmas, which I’d watch it on. That’s so weird because now you just watch it on your phone.

What’s been your most challenging role? Every role is in its own way is quite challenging, I feel like I am starting from scratch every time. It is always different approaching every character. The OA was tough in a lot of ways, physically but also emotionally which I didn’t realise at the time.

What about funny on-set disasters?

This probably doesn’t sound that funny, but in hindsight it is kind of. So there was a scene that we did in OA where I have my dog with me and I basically tell it to attack Prairie – which is Brit Marling’s character. One of the dogs was extra aggressive in real life and I was told not to say attack at the end of the scene because it really would attack. It was like a three-minute scene and we got really into it. At the end I shouted ‘Attack’ and it did. It really went for Brit. But luckily the dog was well trained enough that he stopped mid air.

What’s your go-to getting ready for a party song? It’s so corny. I didn’t even realise I was this cheesy…but it has got to be Drake. Any Drake tunes.

Tell us your signature cocktail recipe? I made mojitos for two years, not in my house but in an actual bar, so mojitos it has got to be.

What are your top three most used emojis? Without looking at my phone? The glitter stars one, the wave and the dancing girl in the red dress. Do you have a strategy for making it big or do you think it is all about luck? I don’t know if I want to make it big in the conventional sense of being a celebrity. My strategy is hopefully to always do work that I am genuinely passionate about and scripts that I really believe in. And to think if there was no money involved would you still want to do it.

Abraham Lewis Age: 21 Originally from…London You’ll recognise him from… How to Talk to Girls at Parties where he played the smooth talking Vic. Next up he stars alongside Idris Elba in Sky Atlantic political drama Guerilla.

What do your family make of your career choice?

When my mum who is an actor told my grandfather who is also an actor that I wanted to do acting too along with my sister he said ‘Oh fuck not another one!’ My dad is an actor too and he was quite cautious as knows how tough this industry is but they are all amazingly supportive now.

What has been your most challenging role? In Guerilla I play a heroin addict and had to loose 25 pounds in a month and a half to do it. And also the headspace of an addict is really weird so that left me feeling quite low at times.

What word or phrase do you overuse the most? I think everyone my age overuses the word ‘like’. I hate it when I use it.

What’s your Monday morning motivation? When I was going to the gym a lot for Guerilla I started watching these YouTube videos by a guy called The Hip Hop Preacher to motivate me. He is really cool.

Tell us your signature cocktail recipe? I used to be a cocktail waiter. I make a good Dark and Stormy.

What’s your go-to getting ready for a party song? Young Americans by David Bowie. What’s the most romantic thing someone has done for you in London? For our third date my girlfriend and I went to a David Hockney exhibition For my birthday she went back and got all of the postcards of all of his paintings then wrote quotes from all of my favourite people ever on the back of each one.

Lucy Boynton

Age: 23

Originally from… New York, raised in London

You’ll recognize her from… horror flicks The Blackcoat's Daughter and Don't Knock Twice plus Sing Street, where she totally won audiences over with her portrayal of the self-proclaimed model and main love interest Raphina. Next up is a major Netflix series Gypsy and blockbuster Murder On The Orient Express.

Like Tom (Bateman) you’ve come straight from the set of the Orient Express. What’s your character like?

I play Countess Andrenyi. She’s a Hungarian countess and ballerina. I get to wear some fantastic handmade 1930s costumes. It’s all very opulent and extravagant.

That sounds pretty different from the Netflix series Gyspy you’ve just wrapped in New York?

Definitely. That’s about a psychotherapist played by Naomi Watts who becomes too immersed in the lives of her patients. I play Alison, a drug addict. She is addicted to speed so I used to eat a lot of M&Ms for breakfast at 7am to portray that jiggy feeling and hysteria.

Did you read lots of books on psychology?

I did, I’ve always been interested in psychology and have taken classes. It helps with acting, like understanding people and why they are how they are.

Are you starting to get recognized more?

I’m what the industry call a ‘plain actor’. I have this thing where no one remembers me. Plus I’ve changed my hair colour a lot so I think that helps.

What word do you overuse?

I tend to refer to every one as ‘woman’ but that’s better than girls or hun right?

Favourite karaoke song?

I don’t do it. I’ll go and support my friends but that’s it. I’m a cheerer. I’ll holler!

Tell us your go-to cocktail?

Aperol spritz. Every single time. Even in winter.

What’s your Monday morning motivation?

I’m not a morning person. And at the moment my call time is 4am. So I just have to remind myself how much I love my job!

Alex Lawther

Age: 22

Originally from… Hampshire

You’ll know him from… Indie Brit flick, A Brilliant Young Mind, as well as The Imitation Game and the coltishly brilliant Black Mirror

When did you first describe yourself as an ‘actor?’

My first job was a play called South Downs at the Harold Pinter theatre in the West End and an actress in the cast turned to me and said, ‘Is this something you want to carry on doing?’ It was the first time someone had asked me that question and it made me realise that I did. Before that I never realised it was something that would pay my rent.

What was the first DVD you bought?

Matilda by Danny DeVito. My friend and I can quote pretty much every line from that film.

What has been your most challenging role?

I recently did an episode of Black Mirror (Shut Up and Dance) and played a very troubled person. Trying to understand someone who I don’t feel like I’ve got any connection otherwise was tricky. But when the script is good, it makes it easier.

Have you ever had any on-set disasters?

I did a film last year called Old Boys and the character I played spends all of his time falling into muddy water or tripping over and generally being quite miserable. My memory of it was being very wet and very cold.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Abatina by Calypso Rose. It’s got this wonderful Afro beat to it. I’m obsessed with it.

What word or phrase do you overuse the most?

'That’s very interesting.’ Because I find so many things SO interesting. My friends make fun of me and it’s become my catchphrase.

What trait do you value most in your friends?

Kindness. I like kind people. It’s so underrated.'

What’s your go-to getting ready for a party song?

Abatina by Calypso Rose!

You’ve got friends coming around for drinks? Tell us your signature cocktail.

A martini although I’m not sure how good I am.

What are your top three most used emojis?

The puppy, the alien face and the one of a camel. I use it as a private joke with a friend of mine.

From left – right: Arinzé Kene, Conor MacNeill and Rosie Day

Arinzé Kene Age: 29 Originally from: Lagos, Nigeria and raised in London You’ll recognise him from… The Pass opposite Russell Tovey, the Netflix series Crazyhead and this year spot him in the Shakespearean drama Some Sweet Oblivious Antidote

When did you first describe yourself as an actor? That hasn’t happened yet. I have what is called imposter syndrome. I kind of think one day someone is going to come knocking on my door and say ‘Hey man, you told everyone you are an actor, but you are just a normal bloke and you have somehow tricked everybody. The majority of the time I say to people I perform rather than saying I am an actor. It just feels weird coming out of my mouth.

What was the first VHS/DVD you bought? When I was young I looked older than I was. I remember buying a film called Crooklyn, by Spike Lee when I was blatantly only fourteen and should have been much older to be allowed to.

What was the last lie you told? On my way here the driver asked me ‘Are there a lot of famous people in there?’ and I said no, none at all. What word do you overuse the most? Absolutely. I say absolutely way too much. I only realised it the other day when I was writing an e-mail.

What’s your Monday morning motivation? Meditating. I do it every morning when I wake up. I mean if you have to take a piss then do it but get right in there with the meditating afterwards.

Conor MacNeill Age: 28 Originally from… County Antrim, Northern Ireland

You’ll recognise him from… The Fall plus Channel 4 comedy No Offence. He also wrote this year’s BAFTA nominated film The Party. Talk about multi-talented.

When did you first describe yourself as an actor?

When I was 18 years old I told my teachers that I wanted to be an actor and they were like ‘Oh that is a silly thing to want to do.’ So when I landed a theatre job while still doing my A-levels I turned to them and said ‘I’m now an actor.’

What was the first VHS you bought? Watership Down. And I loved it. Apparently to the point where my mum and dad were like: ‘If we have to watch Watership down one more time…’

Tell us about the best advice a co-star has given you? I worked with a theatre actress called Eleanor Methven who told me to never look at anyone else’s career because everyone’s career is different and to just concentrate on your own.

What has been your most challenging role? My character in The Fall was a schizophrenic with convulsive and delusional disorders. That was pretty hefty. For the role I did loads of research and watched a lot of documentaries about mental health and illnesses. I wanted to be really respectful to people who suffer from it too. So I felt a lot of pressure with that.

What word or phrase do you overuse the most? Class, which is a Belfast word for brilliant. I use ‘That’s class’ all the time.

What’s your Monday morning motivation?

I just think you have got to get paid don’t you? And actually, I love the shower. If I can bring myself to shower I will spend ages in there, and a good song in the shower to listen to. That will get you going.

What is the most romantic thing someone has done for you in London? Surprised me by flying in from New York.

Rosie Day

Age: 22

Originally from… Cambridge

You’ll know her from… Granchester, Homefront, The Seasoning Hour

When did you first describe yourself as an ‘actor’?

When I was 11 I was in a kids show called Hope and Glory. I probably rather precociously said it to a teacher.

Does the acting bug run in the family?

My sister did it when she was younger and that’s how I found my way into it. But before that, never.

What do your family make of it as your career choice?

They’re very supportive. My sister is with me tonight, sat at the bar. She looks just like me.

What was the first DVD you bought?

St. Trinians. I know Gemma [Arterton] now and I still tell her, ‘I used to have a photo of you on my bedroom wall.’

What has been your most challenging role?

In a film called Butterfly Kisses, which premiers at the Berlin Film Festival next week, I play a 16-year-old prostitute from a council estate who had to sleep with people to feed her younger siblings. It was difficult to be in that mindset.

Tell us about the best advice a co-star has given you?

I worked with Suranne Jones when I was 13 and, afterwards my work ethic changed. I can’t remember exactly what she said, but she made me be a better actress.”

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Believe by Cher. I got very drunk in Malaga once, got my ear pierced on the strip and sang this to my ex who wasn’t there.

What word or phrase do you overuse the most?

‘Like’ and ‘do you know what I mean?’ My dad always replies in an exhausted tone, ‘Yes, Rosie. I know what you mean.’”

What’s your go-to getting ready for a party song?

Anything by Taylor Swift. I’ve outgrown her a bit now but for 10-years, she was my idol.

What are your top three most used emojis?

The ghost sticking his tongue out – I’ve even got it on a T-shirt – the kissing face and the unicorn. I’m a big unicorn fan.

Josh O’Conner

Age: 26

Originally from: Cheltenham

You’ll know him from… Some great telly dramas think: Ripper Street, Peaky Blinders, and The Durrells

When did you first describe yourself as an ‘actor?’

When I got my first job on Lewis. I only had one line but had to retake it about 30 times. I’m much better now.

What was the first VHS/ DVD you bought?

Family Man with Nicholas Cage. I love that film so much. That, and Love Actually. The kind of films I’m doing at the moment are indie and art house but, in reality, I love a bit of cheese.

What has been your most challenging role?

The one I played in God’s Own Country which premiers at the Berlin Film Festival next week. I lost two-and-a-half stone and I’m already quite slight so I looked pretty gaunt.

Tell us about the best advice a co-star has given you?

I worked on Florence Foster-Jenkins with Meryl Streep – name drop there! I was terrified and filming started the day after Glastonbury so I wasn’t in the best shape. I was visibly anxious. She said to me ‘never be nervous.’ It was amazing because it worked.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Angels by Robbie Williams. I’m not a classy guy.

What word or phrase do you overuse the most?

‘Lush.’ I’m from Somerset and it’s very typical of that area. Plus, my ex-girlfriend hated it so I use it even more now.

What trait do you value most in your friends?

I like that they drink at my local pub with me.

What’s your Monday morning motivation?

Go to the gym but I’ve never fulfilled it. I don’t think I’ve been to the gym in, like, a year.

What’s your go-to getting ready for a party song?

Anything by Blood Orange.

You’ve got friends coming around for drinks? Tell us your signature cocktail.

I love cooking Persian food and like to eat it with a killer negroni.

What’s the most romantic thing someone has done for you in London?

About five or six years ago I was living in Bristol and someone took me to London. We stayed in a hotel and that was really exciting for me because I’d never stayed in a hotel in my entire life. I grew up camping!

What are your top three most used emojis?

The thinking face, the face that’s rolling its eyes and the fire. The last one’s an in joke and I use it a lot.

Lorne MacFayden

Age: 26

Originally from: Isle of Skye

You’ll know him from… those addictive TV series including The Level, Grantchester, Tina and Bobby

When did you first describe yourself as an ‘actor?’

When I dropped out of uni – I was studying Media Design – I had to start calling myself an actor for people to start taking me seriously. Once you make that step, it all starts unraveling.

What was the first VHS/ DVD you bought?

My Great Uncle owned a rental VHS shop so I used to watch whatever was lying around. Jaws was probably one of the first films I ever saw. To this day, I’m still terrified of sharks.

What has been your most challenging role?

Probably playing Bobby Moore. It’s quite the story; battling cancer and then winning the world cup. But, throughout filming, I was hyper aware that he was such an iconic football player and such a hero to so many people, so I had to get it right.

Have you ever had any funny on-set stories?

Whilst filming Tina & Bobby, Michelle Keegan and I were driving along in a beautiful old sixties Jag. I’m really into my music so would play stuff that was appropriate to the era. I was trying to find a track and for some reason, the Notorious B.I.G came on and my phone froze. We did have a laugh about that.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

I actually worked in a karaoke bar for a year! Mine is A Little Less Conversation by Elvis. I don’t know the words off by heart but I have fun singing it after a few drinks.

What word or phrase do you overuse the most?

‘Sound.’ It’s an expression of general acceptance to something. So if someone says, ‘Can I get you a drink?’ I’ll reply ‘sound.’

What’s your go-to getting ready for a party song?

Depends. Probably Underworld or some other nineties rave tunes.

You’ve got friends coming around for drinks? Tell us your signature cocktail.

Long Island Ice Tea. It involves everything and can get a party started pretty quickly. It’s lethal stuff. Just what you want, right?

What are your top three most used emojis?

I use the crying with laughter one when I’m totally stony faced. The winky face I use but I HATE the winky face with the tongue sticking out. I mean, what’s that supposed to express? Don’t answer that.

Photographer: Schohaja

Creative Director: Jamie Spence

Interviews: Chloe Mac Donnell, Suzannah Ramsdale and Niki Browes

Styling: Hannah Lewis

Hair: Errol Douglas

Make up: Charlotte Yeomans

Continued below…

Meet the 2017 EE Rising Star BAFTA Nominees