Rizzle Kicks star: Lockdown made me realise I had social anxiety

dunhill & Dylan Jones Pre-BAFTA Dinner & Party
Jordan Stephens
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Rizzle Kicks star Jordan Stephens said he realised he had “low level social anxiety” after the first lockdown.

The 29-year-old musician and actor said living in London made it difficult for him to focus on himself but since the restrictions were imposed he has had more time to do so.

Stephens, who is dating Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, said that after months of social distancing he realised he was actually more of an introvert.

“In the first lockdown I did a lot of work on myself - it gave me the opportunity to be self sufficient which was something that was lacking,” he told the Standard.

“I have realised I am more of an introvert than I thought. I am quite loud and outgoing and can be a social creature, but I have realised that..especially in London...I had social anxiety.

“There are so many people doing so many things. I would panic, I found it difficult to focus on my own time and that hasn’t been there. That has been a silver lining of a grey cloud.”

Stephens shot to fame in 2011 as part of Rizzle Kicks - known for hits Down With the Trumpets and Mama Do The Hump

He now says he would like to go in to directing and honour the “legacy” of his grandfather John Boulting who was celebrated in the industry and directed the original on-screen version of Brighton Rock, released in 1948.

He was one half of the so-called Boulting brothers, who were identical twin filmmakers known for their popular series of satirical comedies in the 1950s and 1960.

Stephens is also known for his acting roles in Star Wars film Rogue One and the mini-series Glue.

He is to appear in the latest series of Netflix hit Feel Good and has recently recorded a short film called Resonance with Bulletproof actor Ben Tavassoli.

He said: “I am into directing. Directing.. It is something I have been nearby for a while. I have always been involved in the creative and visual side of everything I do. I think I would love it. 

“My grandfather was a director. He directed the original Brighton Rock and so the legacy of film is in my family. I studied film at college, so perhaps a future of writing and directing.”

Stephens was speaking ahead of his collaboration with Samsung and Three where the public are being challenged to shoot a 30 second clip transforming something everyday in to an epic film.

He shot a film about his cup of tea on a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G phone.

“For me, I focused my efforts on making tea,” he said. “Tea is everything.”

Three and Samsung is challenging the public to showcase their everyday epic moments to be in for the chance of winning great prizes. Film a 30 second – 1-minute video and share on Instagram or Twitter, tag @SamsungUK and @ThreeUK handles and including #MyEverdayEpic

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