Game of Thrones star Bella Ramsey says she was “petrified” before her first episode aired

Game of Thrones star Bella Ramsey has admitted that she was “petrified” before her first episode aired because she was worried people wouldn’t like her character.

The actress, who plays Lyanna Mormont on the hugely popular US drama, told Metro.co.uk that she thought she’d get a lot of hate when she first popped up in season 6.

“I was petrified when it came out, as I [was] expecting people to hate what I’d done and not like Lyanna,” she said. “I was scared I’d be received in a bad way. I was very shocked people liked my performance.”

HBO

Related: Game of Thrones season 8 release date, episodes, spoilers, filming and everything you need to know

Bella needn’t have worried – her character has become a fan favourite, and she revealed that the cast have been really supportive too.

So much so that she’s kept in touch with some of them, including Jon Snow himself – who’s offered up some advice.

“He always said [to go to him] if I want some bad advice, but I don’t think his advice is bad!” Ramsey said.

“When I went to the BAFTAs I asked him about live interviews, what advice he would give, and he said, ‘Just be yourself and don’t try to say what you think people want you to’. That’s the best advice you can give.”

As fans will already know, the show is set to say goodbye this year with season 8 – and the cast have been sharing their thoughts on the much-anticipated ending.

Lena Headey, who plays Cersei Lannister, recently explained admitted that she’s actually OK with saying goodbye to her character.

HBO

“It’s the end. It’s the eighth season, which is bonkers. I feel totally chuffed – do I need to translate that [for Americans]?

“It just means really happy – to have been part of something like that for so long,” she continued. “I think everyone’s ready to kind of do new stuff. But I think until it’s over-over, I won’t know how I feel.”

Game of Thrones season 8 will premiere in April 2019. The show airs on HBO in the US and Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the UK. Season 7 is now available to buy on DVD, Blu-ray or digital download.

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