By Lisa McLoughlin

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Aimee Lou Wood has spoken out about her decision to criticise Saturday Night Live for a parody sketch she felt unfairly mocked her appearance in The White Lotus.

The 29-year-old actor, who played Chelsea in the hit HBO series’ third season, was portrayed by comedian Sarah Sherman in an April skit that exaggerated her teeth and gave her a caricatured British accent.

At the time, Wood described the impression as “mean and unfunny” and she says she still stands by that reaction.

“I don’t regret saying it because it was breaking a pattern, which is what I would usually do – what I did when I was younger and got bullied,” Wood told BBC News.

“I have a choice here to go in and be embarrassed about it and just say, ‘I didn’t like that. It was mean.’”

Following her comments, Wood revealed that SNL reached out to apologise, and Sherman personally sent her a bouquet of flowers.

Sharing a picture of the gift on Instagram, Wood wrote: “Thank you for the beautiful flowers.” She later clarified her frustration was not directed at Sherman herself but at the concept of the sketch.

Wood has previously been candid about her teeth, often a talking point among audiences and critics.

Speaking to Stylist in 2020, she admitted she once believed her look would hold her back in television auditions: “No, I don’t. It’s completely in my head. It’s a myth I’ve told myself.

“I had it in my brain that I’m not conventional-looking enough and that’s a mental barrier I’ve had to overcome.”

Since appearing in Sex Education and The White Lotus, however, Wood has embraced her distinct features, even sharing that many viewers have expressed appreciation for her confidence.

Earlier this year, she told The Jonathan Ross Show: “I mean I can’t believe the impact my teeth are having. Because the Americans can’t believe [my teeth], but they’re all being lovely.”

She added that while orthodontists and fans alike have “dissected” her smile online. However the overwhelming message has been supportive with dentists saying ,“but we don’t think she should change a thing”.

The actor said this reaction felt like a full-circle moment after years of being bullied about her teeth.

“It feels so lovely. A real full-circle moment after being bullied for my teeth, forever,” she shared.