
Sex scenes are liberating! Nafessa Williams on Rivals, racism, and self-belief
From Happy Place by Fearne Cotton
May 11, 2026 · 48 min · Season 43 · Episode 2
About this episode
Nafessa Williams discusses the liberating experience of acting in sex scenes and the importance of representation in her role on Rivals.
Sex scenes involve a lot more padding and tape than you might expect! Rivals actress Nafessa Williams has found being at the centre of one of TV’s sexiest shows both nerve-wracking and incredibly liberating. In this chat with Fearne, Nafessa explores what it means to play the only black woman in a white man's world in 1980s Britain, and why she sees her acting as her contribution to activism and representation. Do you consider yourself to be ambitious and driven? Nafessa wonders if you rest as hard as you work... because you should! Plus, how to manifest the life you want, without forgetting the key component: action! Watch Rivals series 2 on Disney+ from May 15th. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Rhonda Byrne Leigh-Anne Pinnock Afua Hirsch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Host: Fearne Cotton
Guest: Nafessa Williams
Topics covered
- sex scenes
- representation
- activism
- self-belief
- ambition
- 1980s Britain
Keywords
- Nafessa Williams
- Rivals
- sex scenes
- representation
- activism
- self-belief
- ambition
- 1980s Britain
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Disney+
Books & works: Rivals
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