Normal People star Paul Mescal has revealed that he was left in a flood of tears after filming one of the series' most emotional scenes.

The 12-part drama stars Mescal as Connell, an Irish teenager who embarks on a relationship with Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and has received much acclaim for its handling of taboo issues such as consent, depression and suicide.

At one point Connell is shown having a tough time coming to terms with the death of his childhood friend, who had committed suicide.

"Filming the scene where Connell breaks down was brutal. They called cut and I was still bawling," Mescal told Stylist magazine.

"I wanted desperately for Connell's pain to feel authentic. A massive percentage of people will experience something that Connell and Marianne are experiencing in regards to their mental health."

Last week Mescal announced that he is auctioning off one of Connell's iconic neck chains in order to raise money for mental health charity Pieta.