5 Shocking Secrets Hannah Waddingham Revealed About Her 'Horrific' Game Of Thrones Septa Unella Torture Scene

The infamous "Shame! Shame! Shame!" chant from *Game of Thrones* has become one of the most recognizable memes and iconic moments in television history. The woman behind the bell, Septa Unella, was played by the immensely talented Hannah Waddingham, who has since achieved global recognition as Rebecca Welton in the hit series *Ted Lasso*. While her performance as the stern, unforgiving religious zealot was unforgettable, the actress has recently shared startling and deeply personal details about the physical and psychological toll her final, harrowing torture scene took on her, bringing a fresh, current perspective to her time in Westeros. As of late 2025, Waddingham’s candid interviews about her experience filming the HBO epic continue to resonate with fans, shedding new light on the intense and often brutal realities of working on a massive fantasy production. Her revelations about the final moments of Septa Unella in Season 6, and the chronic health issue that resulted, are a testament to the dedication—and sometimes sacrifice—required of actors in the industry.

Hannah Waddingham: A Brief Biography & Profile

Hannah Waddingham is an English actress and singer, celebrated for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and versatile acting roles across musical theatre, television, and film. She has become one of the most respected names in the industry, transitioning from West End star to Emmy-winning television icon.

• Full Name: Hannah Waddingham
• Date of Birth: July 28, 1974
• Place of Birth: Wandsworth, London, England
• Nationality: British
• Notable Roles: Septa Unella in *Game of Thrones* (2015–2016), Rebecca Welton in *Ted Lasso* (2020–2023), The Lady of the Lake in *Spamalot*, The Witch in *Into the Woods*, and various film appearances including *Les Misérables* (2012) and *Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One* (2023).
• Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (for *Ted Lasso*).
• Key *Game of Thrones* Role: Septa Unella, a member of the Faith of the Seven and a devoted follower of the High Sparrow. She was responsible for overseeing Cersei Lannister's imprisonment and her subsequent Walk of Atonement.

The Infamous 'Shame' Nun: Septa Unella's Role in Westeros

Hannah Waddingham’s character, Septa Unella, was a key antagonist during the rise of the Faith Militant in King’s Landing. Introduced in Season 5, she quickly became synonymous with the religious order's severe piety and relentless cruelty. Her character's most famous moment was accompanying Cersei Lannister (played by Lena Headey) on the Walk of Atonement through the streets of the capital.

The image of Unella, clad in her severe robes, ringing the small bell and repeatedly chanting "Shame!" at the naked Queen Regent is an indelible part of the *Game of Thrones* legacy. It cemented her character as a figure of righteous, yet deeply unsettling, fanaticism. Waddingham has spoken about how she perfected the "Shame" chant, ensuring the right tone of judgmental fervor.

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However, Unella’s own fate was sealed when Cersei regained power. In the Season 6 finale, "The Winds of Winter," Cersei exacted a brutal revenge, leaving Unella to be tortured by Ser Gregor Clegane, also known as The Mountain. This final, dark scene is what has been the subject of Waddingham’s most recent and candid interviews, revealing a traumatic experience for the actress herself.

5 Traumatic Details About the Septa Unella Torture Scene

The on-screen demise of Septa Unella was one of the series' darkest moments, a brutal turn of the tables orchestrated by the vengeful Cersei Lannister. Waddingham’s accounts of filming this scene highlight the physical and psychological intensity required of the actors, going far beyond typical on-set challenges. These revelations offer a startling look behind the curtain of the HBO mega-hit.

1. The Scene Was Originally Even Darker

The original script for the scene where Cersei finally gets her revenge involved a sexual assault element with The Mountain. Waddingham has revealed that she was relieved when showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss changed the scene, opting instead for a form of torture known as waterboarding.

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2. The 'Waterboarding' Lasted for 10 Hours

The actress revealed that the actual filming of the torture—where she was strapped to a wooden table and repeatedly had water poured over her face—lasted for a grueling ten hours. This intense physical ordeal was designed to evoke a genuine reaction of terror and helplessness. She described the experience as "horrific" and "the worst day of my life."

3. She Was Left with Chronic Claustrophobia

Perhaps the most lasting and personal consequence of the scene was the development of a chronic health condition. Waddingham has stated in recent years that the experience of being strapped down for so long and having water poured over her face left her with a severe case of chronic claustrophobia. This is a profound example of how intensely physical roles can impact an actor's life long after the cameras stop rolling.

4. The Unexpected 'Gift' from the Producers

As a gesture after the traumatic filming, the producers sent Waddingham a gift: the original wooden waterboard table she was strapped to. The actress found the gift deeply unsettling, stating she initially thought it was a guitar, only to realize what it was. She has kept the prop, describing it as a "shrine" to the experience, a dark memento of her time on the show.

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5. The Deep Bond with Lena Headey

Despite their characters’ fierce on-screen rivalry, Waddingham and Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister) formed a strong bond, particularly during the filming of the torture scene. Headey was reportedly uncomfortable with the intensity of the scene and was a source of support for Waddingham throughout the long, difficult shoot. This friendship shows the contrast between the brutal fantasy world of Westeros and the professional camaraderie of the set.

From Westeros to West Ham: The Legacy of Hannah Waddingham

The role of Septa Unella was a pivotal moment in Waddingham's career, showcasing her dramatic range before she became a household name for her comedic and dramatic brilliance in *Ted Lasso*. Her portrayal of the icy but ultimately vulnerable football club owner, Rebecca Welton, is a stark contrast to the religious fervor of the Faith of the Seven nun.

Waddingham’s ability to transition so seamlessly from the menacing "Shame Nun" of *Game of Thrones* to the complex, Emmy-winning performance in *Ted Lasso* underscores her versatility as an actress. The physical and emotional challenges she faced while filming her final *Game of Thrones* scenes are now a part of her personal narrative, a testament to the dedication she brings to every role, whether she is ringing the "Shame Bell" or managing AFC Richmond. Her openness about the long-term effects, like her claustrophobia, provides a crucial, humanizing layer to the often-glamourized world of blockbuster television.

Ultimately, Hannah Waddingham's time on *Game of Thrones* as the unforgettable Septa Unella—from the famous Walk of Shame to the horrific final torture—serves as a powerful chapter in her career, one that continues to be discussed and analyzed by fans and critics alike as she reaches new heights of stardom.