Hugh Skinner, the 41-year-old actor known for roles in W1A, Fleabag, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, opens up about his fears, embarrassing moments, and aspirations in a recent interview. Born in London and trained at Lamda, Skinner made his television debut in 2008 with Tess of the D'Urbervilles. He later starred in comedies like The Windsors and The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre in 2024. Now, he reprises his role as Will in Twenty Twenty Six and stars in the BBC drama Two Weeks in August.
Fears and Pet Peeves
Skinner reveals his greatest fear: pigeons. He recounts a traumatic experience when one got stuck in his flat for an extended period, altering his perception of the birds. He also deplores catastrophising in himself and snobbishness, superiority, and condescension in others.
Embarrassing Moments and Superpowers
His most embarrassing moment was accidentally walking onto set naked for a scene where nudity wasn't required. If he could have a superpower, he would choose to stop time. When asked about his appearance, he dislikes his small eyes and receding hairline but hints at plans to address it.
Celebrity Crushes and Extinct Things
Skinner's celebrity crush is the entire male cast of late 1990s Neighbours. If he could bring something extinct back to life, it would be the old millionaire's shortbread from Caffè Nero, which he describes as arrestingly good before a recipe change.
Life Lessons and Regrets
He shares that his biggest disappointment is not becoming a boyband member, something he assumed would happen. The most important lesson life taught him is that everything is temporary and how to make aioli. He also admits to lying as a nine-year-old about starring in West Side Story in the West End.
On Love and Death
Skinner describes love as feeling like nothing is a problem. His best kiss occurred in early 2020. He believes that after death, people leave traces and continue to make an impact through the ripple effect of their actions.
The interview also touches on his overused phrases (fantastic and brilliant), his unappealing habit of smoking, and his desire to be a wild pig if not himself. He lives in London with his partner.
