The First Omen’s Nell Tiger Free is fighting a fear of clowns

We all have weird phobias – rats, rain, spoons, the word ‘moist’ – you name it and it exists. Most people try their best to avoid what they’re scared of, and fair play, if you can skip the heebie jeebies, why not? But actor Nell Tiger Free is among the rare heroes of the world who seek out their fears, hoping to beat them one day. “I'm terrified of clowns, that’s why I seek out every clown movie I can get my hands on to overcome this fear. Like when you teach a baby how to swim and you chuck them in the water? That's kind of what I'm doing but metaphorically,” she tells woo.

Beyond chasing her phobias, the 24-year-old actor carries this barefaced courage into her career as well. After starring in a string of thrillers like Game of Thrones, Servant and Settlers, Nell’s latest leading role in The First Omen brings her to a coveted horror film franchise. In the prequel, the actor plays Margaret, an American woman in Rome who dedicates her life to the church. However, things go awry when she stumbles upon a grand conspiracy to reign in the birth of an evil incarnate.

Ahead of the film’s release, woo’s social producer Bobbie Temple sat down with Nell to chat about all things horror. From prepping for endless scream scenes and holding it together when the eerie vibes creep into reality, to her love for boggle and hangover cures, the actor shares it all below.

The First Omen is in cinemas on April 5