While we have been all forced to stay inside this year, it meant we’ve gotten to watch plenty of amazing television, and with the creative freedom of streaming services, nude scenes have become more of a norm on our screens. Mr Man has released their top ten nude scenes of 2020, which includes Ireland’s very own Paul Mescal and let me tell you, this list, just like the shows, is steamy.

How could anyone forget Paul Mescal’s brilliant performance as Connell in the screen adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People? Right from the get-go, Mescal drew us in with Connell’s soft and sweet nature while also being incredibly studious. His compassion for Marianne (played by Daisy Edgar Jones), had us glued to our screens.

Not to mention the realistic portrayal of sex for teenagers and college students. Oh dear God, the sex. Don’t watch this one with your parents, folks–save this show for some ‘you’ time, because trust me, you will be thinking of Connell and his chain long after you’ve finished the series.

Paul Mescal isn’t the only one who stripped down and bared it all this year, Mr Man’s list also includes Nicholas Hoult (The Great), Daniel Kaluuya (Queen & Slim), Tom Mercier (We Are Who We Are), Dan J. Johnson (P-Valley), Juan Carlos Maldonado (The Prince), Michele Morrone (365 Days), Paapa Essiedu and Samson Ajewole (I May Destroy You), Andy Samberg (Palm Springs), and Matt Bomer (Boys in the Band).

While all the actors above gave amazing performances and very boldly ‘braved it all’, there’s something about Mescal’s performance that resonated with audiences, particularly young Irish audiences.

Perhaps it was the realness of emotions and awkwardness between Marianne and Connell. Perhaps it really was the nudity and the sex (who am I to say or to judge?). But one thing is for sure, Paul Mescal gave a stunning performance, naked and all. Hey, Sally Rooney, is it too much to ask for a Normal People sequel?

You can check out Mr Man’s list in full and the scenes in their entirety here.