Jessie Buckley claims she was 'brutalised' on BBC talent show as Oscar frontrunner speaks out on 'unfair objectification'

"I really hope that a 15, 17, whatever-age woman never has to be brutalised quite like what happened on that show," Ms Buckley told Vogue magazine.

The Killarney-born star was just 17 when she competed for the role of Nancy in a West End production of Oliver!, ultimately finishing as runner-up to Jodie Prenger.

"But I didn't recognise it fully at the time. I just felt it, which was difficult," she added.

Ms Buckley disclosed that her mental health deteriorated significantly during filming, telling the magazine she was depressed and struggling to cope.

"[I] was not well fully. I was depressed and I – just wasn't well," she said. "There was a lot that was really messed up."

The actress specifically highlighted being sent to what she called "femininity school" as particularly troubling, noting that she was still developing physically and emotionally at the time.

"And bringing me to femininity school. And I was growing into my body," she explained.

According to Vogue, judges and other figures on the programme made comments about her appearance, with one choreographer reportedly urging her to be "more ladylike" and master dancing in six-inch heels.

Ms Buckley reflected on her initial enthusiasm for the opportunity, recalling how thrilled she was to gain access to the entertainment world she had long aspired to join.

"It's bonkers, in hindsight. I was just like: 'Oh my God. I get to peek behind this curtain already. I get to sing. I get to be part of this industry that I really was hoping I could be part of,'" she said.

Looking back nearly two decades later, the actress expressed admiration for her younger self's bravery whilst questioning what drove her to participate.

"And I look back at it and I feel like: 'God, you're so brave.' I don't know if I'd have that courage now. And I don't know if that was kind of innocence or ignorance."

Following her second-place finish, Ms Buckley was presented with the opportunity to serve as Ms Prenger's understudy in the West End production, an offer she firmly rejected.

Rather than accepting through conventional channels, the young performer took matters into her own hands by marching directly to the offices of renowned theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh.

"I walked to his office, rang the bell and said: 'Is Cameron Mackintosh here? Thank you, but I won't be taking that job,'" she recalled.

The decision proved pivotal in shaping her career trajectory. Instead of remaining in the shadow of the competition winner, Ms Buckley carved her own path through London's theatrical scene.

She secured a role in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music at the Menier Chocolate Factory, performing alongside Maureen Lipman and Hannah Waddingham before completing her training at RADA in 2013.

Ms Buckley's revelations come as she stands on the cusp of major awards recognition, having claimed the Critics' Choice Award for Best Actress on Sunday for her performance in Chloé Zhao's Hamnet.

The film, adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's novel, sees her portray Agnes Shakespeare opposite Paul Mescal as the playwright, exploring their grief following the death of their 11-year-old son.

Oscar nominations are due to be announced on 22 January, with Ms Buckley widely tipped to secure a nod in the leading actress category.

In response to her comments about I'd Do Anything, the BBC pointed to its duty of care policies, which it said had been strengthened over the decades.

The corporation added that anyone raising complaints or concerns is treated with the utmost care and seriousness.