Hannah Waddingham, known for her role in Ted Lasso, revealed in a recent interview that she has dealt with chronic claustrophobia since filming a scene in Game of Thrones. In the series, her character, Septa Unella, is subjected to a torturous scenario where she is tied down and water is poured over her face by Cersei Lannister, played by Lena Headey. Waddingham described this experience as akin to being waterboarded, an ordeal she had to endure for ten hours during the filming process.

In her appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Waddingham reflected on the psychological impact the scene had on her. She shared that while she understood the artistic intentions behind the portrayal, the reality of being physically restrained for such an extended period was distressing and left her with lasting anxiety about confined spaces. She expressed a sense of camaraderie with the show's creators, who she has spoken to about the experience, indicating that it was a challenging moment for everyone involved in the production.

The incident has sparked conversations about the mental health challenges actors may face when participating in intense scenes. As Waddingham continues to navigate her career post-Game of Thrones, her reflections serve to highlight the often-overlooked psychological toll of acting in high-pressure scenarios, especially within the realm of fantasy drama where such extreme experiences can be commonplace.