For many fans, Olivia Colman is one of Britain’s most fearless performers — but even she admits there are moments in acting that push her far outside her comfort zone.
The Oscar-winning actress revealed on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast that filming sex scenes terrifies her because it feels like she’s betraying her husband, Ed Sinclair.
Feeling Like “It’s Cheating”
Colman, 51, has been married to Sinclair for 24 years, and she confessed that intimacy on screen doesn’t sit right with her.
“Anything where I have to show any skin, I don’t like,” she explained.
“Pretending to have sex… I don’t like it. I feel like I’m being unfaithful.”
Even when productions take steps to make things less awkward — using cushions or allowing actors to stay partially dressed — she says it doesn’t change how she feels.
Thankful for Intimacy Coordinators
The actress praised professionals who are completely at ease in such scenes, even joking that she admires those who can convincingly pull off on-screen orgasms.
For her, though, that’s a hard no. “Thank God for intimacy coordinators,” Colman added, sharing that she was once told to just imagine sunshine on her face during those moments.
A Marriage Built on Friendship
While she might not enjoy scripted intimacy, Colman had no problem gushing over her real-life romance.
She described Sinclair as her “best friend” and revealed she even has his name tattooed on her arm.
With their 25th wedding anniversary approaching, she reflected on their marriage, admitting, “We aren’t big fighters, which apparently isn’t very healthy.”
Working With Benedict Cumberbatch
Colman’s latest project, The Roses, put her alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in a dark comedy remake of The War of the Roses.
She said the two “had so much fun together” while filming, despite whispers of tension on set due to Cumberbatch’s more methodical acting style versus her straightforward, “let’s get on with it” approach.
A Modern Spin on a Classic
Directed by Jay Roach and scripted by Poor Things writer Tony McNamara, the new version reimagines the story of a picture-perfect couple whose marriage unravels into chaos.
The cast also includes Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa and comedians Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon.
Filming took place in both Devon and Los Angeles, with early scenes shot on a beach in Salcombe last summer.
Rumors From the Set
Behind the scenes, some reports suggested the chemistry between Colman and Cumberbatch wasn’t as strong as hoped.
Insiders claimed his intense approach clashed at times with Colman’s more relaxed style.
Still, producers at Searchlight Pictures insist the reimagining captures the explosive comedy at the heart of the story.
Looking Ahead
With The Roses set for release on August 29, audiences will soon see Colman and Cumberbatch step into roles once made famous by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner.
Whatever the on-set dynamics may have been, Colman remains focused on what matters most to her — her family life with Sinclair and avoiding the kind of acting moments that make her feel uneasy.