“It’s one of the most terrifying performances: you’re retelling an ancient story that’s been told millions of times before, in your own words, no one’s directed you, you have nowhere to hide. Live performance is still her main love, however: Teixeira is part of storytelling group the Embers Collective. “It’s funny: so many people are wanting to use the term ‘controversial’ because it’s about three people falling in love together, but it’s never been a word we used,” says Teixeira. She was so desperate to get the part, she wrote a pleading letter to the director Athina Tsangari after her audition. “It’s nothing to do with maths – thank God, because I would not be able to act that!” says Teixeira. She stars opposite Maisie Williams in Sky’s crime caper Two Weeks to Live, playing a “stone-cold” cop, and in Trigonometry – a BBC Two comedy written by Duncan Macmillan and Effie Woods about a flatshare that turns into a polyamorous relationship. Teixeira is a memorable performer, even in supporting roles – but this looks to be a break-out year. Thalissa Teixeira photographed by Suki Dhanda for the Observer.