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

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THE CREDITS
Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone
Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer
Editor: Ben Johns
Video: Jake Ji
Social Media: Laura Coughlan
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Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot