LUKE EVANS: I KNEW THE BULLYING AT SCHOOL WAS ONLY TEMPORARY

Growing up in the Valleys, to London’s West End to the big screen in Hollywood, Luke Evans joins me in the studio and his story is incredible! Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, in a strict religious community, Luke knew his true identity was in conflict with his beliefs. After persistent bullying throughout his schooling, at age 16, he left home, and his new life began. From strength to strength, Luke’s career has seen him star in over 40 movies, but the life he left behind was one he knew he’d never be able to return to fully. Despite being disfellowshipped from the church, his parents never wavered in their support for him - something that really moved me This conversation is a powerful testament to resilience, self-belief, and the importance of family. 00:00 Intro from Jamie 01:15 My crush on my rugby teacher 05:05 What I learnt from my first heartbreak 06:45 Partying in my twenties 11:30 Having to keep filming even whilst sick 14:00 How it felt growing up as a Jehovah’s witness 17:00 Making a plan to leave home at sixteen 17:55 My parents never disowned me even though it was risky 19:30 I don’t judge my parents for still being Jehovah’s witnesses 22:30 I knew the bullying was only temporary 25:00 My experience of London as a child 28:25 I’d love for my bullies to ask for forgiveness 29:25 The first moment I experienced my love of acting 31:40 A family friend paid £40k for me to go to college 33:30 I have learnt you have to seize opportunities 38:50 Playing Gaston in Beauty and The Beast 40:30 Why I am proud of my book Boy in the Valleys 41:50 Final eight questions #LUKEEVANS #GREATCOMPANYPODCAST #JAMIELAING If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! -- You can also follow us on: Instagram |   / greatcompanypodcast   TikTok |   / greatcompanypodcast   -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Editor: Ben Johns Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan -- Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot