Sex Education star Emma Mackey is no longer returning in Season 5, she confirmed to Radio Times after winning the BAFTA Rising Star Award. Ahead of the production for Season 4, the actress already shared that she will have fewer scenes, which sounded like a preparation for her exit.
Mackey received her Rising Star Award on Sunday in London as recognition for her role in the Emily Bronte biopic. The lead star admitted that she was not prepared at all and extended her gratitude to the organizers of the event and the fans who voted for her.
Sex Education’s Emma Mackey Confirms Exit From The Show After Season 4
Emma Mackey responded to Radio Times’ question about her return to the comedy-drama series. The British-French actress said:
“Season 5? I’ve just finished the fourth one last week! No, I don’t think I’ll be in season 5. I’ve said goodbye to Maeve.”
This confirms Mackey’s exit from the show after playing Maeve Wiley for four seasons. Last week, her co-star Ncuti Gatwa, who portrays Eric Effiong, also hinted at his impending exit from the show. The actor posted a photo of his trailer with Eric’s name on it accompanied by the caption:
“Last day. Last time. Bye bubs, thank you for all the lessons and for all the strength.”
Before the production for Season 4 commenced, Mackey spoke with Radio Times and shared her sentiments as well as hints about her character in the show.
“It feels very familiar! And it’s a bit more sporadic because we have more characters. So there’s… I’m not in it as consistently. But we’re in the middle of filming now, and I’m excited to be back. And yeah, I’m intrigued to know what’s going to happen – because I also don’t know. I’m also finding out as we go along, so it’ll be fun!”
Mackey’s character Maeve is well-loved by fans, and it is quite disappointing to see her go. With this thought in mind, she opened up to Total Film about her next move:
“It is something we’re so privileged to even be able to audition for things and to be able to get roles, so [you need to] make sure that they’re the right ones and you get to explore and stretch out.”
Indeed, the future looks promising and daunting for the actress. She also noted that there are different phases now in her life, and this is where she wants to try out everything.
Fans Are No Longer Interested After Emma Mackey And Ncuti Gatwa’s Exit from Sex Education
With the disappointing announcement of Mackey and Gatwa leaving Sex Education after Season 4, avid fans claimed the show is now pointless. Releasing a fifth season without two of the main characters would surely yield a negative reaction from viewers. Check out their tweets below:
Making a season 5 with 2 of the main characters missing is a terrible idea. Should just wrap it up in 4
— Josh 🍁🦌 (@StolidSteves619) February 19, 2023
Good, kill the show after season 4
— Z ⚡ (@SnapzEnt) February 19, 2023
At this point no one is returning, season 4 should be the final season imo
— Love Craft (@lvuexxx) February 19, 2023
I’m not watching the show for S5 then
— Mehmet Witch ᱬ (@WeBeenCroft) February 19, 2023
Without her and Ncuti Gatwa show's pretty much done.
— Siul Oczoro 🎟🎧🎬💿📘 (@SiulOczoro989) February 19, 2023
For fans already missing Emma Mackey from Sex Education, she has other notable movie projects available to stream. The actress starred in Agatha Christie’s adaptation of Death on the Nile, the Emily biopic, and an upcoming role in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie alongside doppelganger Margot Robbie.
Sex Education is available to stream via Netflix.
Source: Radio Times, Total Film
