Normal People star Paul Mescal has admitted that he used to get stage fright so badly that he would literally "vibrate" in front of audiences.

The 24-year-old has gained an instant global fanbase over the last month for his portrayal of Connell in the Irish teen drama - the first major TV role of his career.

Before Normal People, Mescal played several parts on the stage but admits that it was a steep learning curve to adjust to performing for large audiences.

"I had this affliction, whenever I'd get nervous, that I would stand really straight and sort of lock my knees," he told the Daily Mail.

"But because the shake seemed to be coming from my knees... my whole body would start to vibrate. That would stop when I'd sing in front of three or four people after a time and I thought I had got over it.

"Unfortunately, I got a rude awakening when I went out on stage in front of 600, 700 people and it came back with a vengeance."

Mescal has recently admitted that he is unsure whether the series will come back for a second season despite its breakout-hit status.