Fans are totally divided over the ending of Normal People
Warning: Major Spoilers
Last updated 7th Aug 2020
If you've not yet binge-watched new Hulu and BBC Three drama Normal People, starring Irish actor Paul Mescal and English actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, then it's probably wise if you don't continue reading.
The show, which is based on Sally Rooney's 2018 novel of the same name, has gripped the nation since it first landed on 26th April, showcasing the on and off relationship between main characters Connell and Marianne as they go through school and college together.
But after watching all 12 episodes and being put through every single emotion there is to be put through, viewers were left totally torn about how the drama ended.
Warning: Do not read any further if you've not yet watched all 12 episodes of Normal People
So, if like us you were left in floods of tears at how Connell and Marianne's love story ended, you are probably absolutely gutted at the ending, which saw Connell make the decision to study in New York, whilst Marianne chose to remain in Ireland.
Fans of the show took to Twitter to express their disappointment at the ending, one viewer wrote, 'I’m still mad/sad about the ending to Normal People', with another adding, 'Is there a support group for people who’ve finished Normal People yet?? That ending wrecked me even more than the book did'. (sic)
Another heartbroken viewer wrote, 'Just finished Normal People. I don't even have the words. It made me feel so much. So much. The ending hit me too hard. Too relatable. Emotional wreck. Send help. Watch it. Please.' (sic)
However, other viewers were more optimistic about the ending, admitting it allowed them to imagine a future for Connell and Marianne.
One user wrote, 'I’m sorry but I have to believe Connell comes back and they are together. They’re soul mates...the number of times they have been apart and bought back together. I think the ending was honestly open to this possibility and I believe it #normalpeople'. (sic)
Another wrote, 'I am delighted by the ending of Normal People. It doesn’t matter if they end up together or not. What matters is both characters learned how to communicate fully with each other, and in doing so they learned to accept themselves and get to a sense of happiness. F---ing amazing.'. (sic)
Normal People has received amazing feedback from critics and fans across the nation since it aired back in April, with Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer even expressing her love for the beautifully written drama.
The show has also catapulted it's main characters to fame, with Irish actor Paul Mescal making his full acting debut as Connell. The 24-year-old has gained over 200,000 followers on Instagram since the show aired, with his co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones also becoming a fan favourite.
Episodes 1-12 of Normal People are available now on BBC iPlayer - read all the evidence for season two of Normal People right here.
Here's how to follow the cast of Normal People on social media:
Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne Sheridan
Daisy portrays Marianne Sheridan in Normal People.
You can follow her on Instagram: daisyedgarjones
You can follow her on Twitter: DaisyEdgarJones
Privileged but lonely, Connell was Marianne's only friend in high school- however, he was embarrassed about their connection and so she was totally alone throughout her time in school. Connell's embarrassment affected Marianne throughout her young adult years, but thankfully the couple were able to put it behind them and find each other once again.
Daisy is actually from Islington in London, despite her incredible accent, but her mother Wendy is Northern-Irish - so she has some experience in that area! Daisy appeared in the 2016 Outnumbered Christmas Special, and at 17 starred alongside James Nesbitt in Cold Feet for four years. She had a role in Silent Witness in 2018, and starred in Gentleman Jack alongside Suranne Jones in 2019. Daisy also started out in a Fox adaptation of War of the Worlds in 2019, with a second series on the way.
Paul Mescal as Connell Waldron
Paul stars as Connell Waldron in Normal People.
You can follow him on Twitter: mescal_paul
Unfortunately, Paul has now deleted his Instagram account.
Coming from a rather less moneyed background than Marianne, Connell is well-liked at school and is embarrassed of being associated with Marianne - who is not. Thankfully, they're able to put their differences aside to focus on the incredible, intense relationship they share.
Paul is from Maynooth in County Kildare, and is a relative newcomer to the acting sphere. Best known in Ireland as the face of Denny sausages, Paul played Under 21 football for Kildare, but quit after a jaw injury. He's set to star as Matt in comedy series Bump, and Normal People is his breakthrough role. He's also performed in plenty of stage shows in Dublin and London, such as The Great Gatsby, The Red Shoes and A Midsummer Night's Dream to name but a few.
Sarah Greene as Lorraine Waldron
Sarah Greene stars in Normal People as Lorraine Waldron.
You can follow her on Instagram: mssarahgreene
Lorraine is Connell's mum who is a cleaner for the Sheridan family and provides some maternal comfort for Marianne, whose mother is cold and unyielding. Lorraine chastises Connell for his treatment of Marianne in school and encourages their relationship in later years.
Cork-born Sarah is best known for her role on 2019's Dublin Murders as Cassie Maddox, and has also starred in series Ransom and Rebellion, as well as a recurring role in Penny Dreadful as Hecate Poole. Her film credits include Rosie, Black 47, Dublin Oldschool and Noble, among other things.
Aislín McGuckin as Denise Sheridan
Aislín McGuckin portrays Marianne's mother Denise Sheridan.
You can follow her on Twitter: mcguckin_aislin
Denise lost her husband years before we meet the characters in the show, and is shown to be totally cold and unaffectionate towards Marianne. We later learn that Marianne's brother Alan is controlling and abusive towards his sister and mother, and Denise is trapped by him.
Aislín is from Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, and is possibly best known for her role as Dr. Liz Merrick in Heartbeat or Outlander as Letitia MacKenzie. She has also starred in Holby City, New Tricks, The Hollow Crown and The Miniaturist.
India Mullen as Peggy
India Mullen plays Marianne's good friend Peggy.
You can follow her on Instagram: indiamullen
Peggy is shown to be very confident, gregarious and outspoken - but not hugely supportive.
As well as Normal People, India has also starred in TV series Into The Badlands alongside Nick Frost, the 2017 TV adaptation of Little Women with Maya Hawke, Vikings and Red Rock as Katie Kiely.
Eliot Salt as Joanna
Eliot Salt plays Marianne's other good friend Joanna.
You can follow her on Instagram: eliotsalt
You can follow her on Twitter: eliotsalt
Thankfully, Marianne was able to get emotional support from her friend Joanna, played by Eliot Salt - the pair even joked that they were like an old married couple in the penultimate episode.
Eliot is best known for her role in David Schwimmer's series Intelligence, and also starred in 2019 series GameFace and Fate: The Winx Saga as Terra.
Fionn O'Shea as Jamie
Finn O'Shea portrays the series' sort-of villain, Jamie.
You can follow him on Instagram: fionnos
You can follow him on Twitter: FionnOS
After meeting Marianne at college, Jamie is shown to have feelings for her whilst she and Connell are dating. Following the confusion over whether Connell and Marianne had broken up, Marianne and Jamie dated for a while - however, they're shown to have a rather unhappy relationship as Jamie is controlling and sexually aggressive with Marianne.
Finn starred in TV series Roy as Jack and the huge 2018 ITV drama Innocent. He also had a role in Hang Ups, and has several upcoming projects including Cherry with Tom Holland and Netflix film The Letter for the King with Omid Djalili and Killing Eve's Kim Bodnia.
Desmond Eastwood as Niall
Desmond Eastwood plays Niall in Normal People.
You can follow him on Instagram: desmondeastwood1
You can follow him on Twitter: des_eastwood
Although Connell is popular with almost every group of people he comes into contact with, he admits struggling to make any real connections. Thankfully, he finds an instant friend in housemate Niall, played by Desmond Eastwood. Niall accompanies Connell to Marianne's family villa in Italy, and often gives him some tough love when he needs it.
As well as Normal People, Desmond has starred in Vikings, Thursday's Child, 2020 series Blood and a whole host of short films.
READ MORE: Take our Normal People quiz