You probably remember the collective "who is that?" when Season 4 of Sex Education dropped. Moordale was gone, the neon-drenched halls replaced by the ultra-progressive (and slightly exhausting) Cavendish College. But while everyone was focused on Otis and Maeve's messy long-distance pining, a quiet revolution was happening on a farm. That’s where we met Jem, played by Bella Maclean.
Bella Maclean in Sex Education wasn't just a "new love interest" trope. Honestly, she was the catalyst for one of the most satisfying redemptions in modern TV history.
Who exactly is Jem?
If you haven't binged the final season in a while, here’s the refresher. Jem is the straight-talking, horse-loving boss at the farm where Adam Groff (Connor Swindells) lands a job. She’s effortless. She doesn’t do the performative kindness of the Cavendish "Coven." Instead, she offers Adam something he’s never had: a normal, judgment-free space to just be.
Maclean plays her with this grounded, "take me as I am" energy. It was a stark contrast to the high-drama relationships we were used to. She wasn't trying to fix Adam. She was just training horses and offering him a lift home.
The moment that actually mattered
There is a specific scene in the finale that most people overlook because they’re too busy crying over Eric’s church arc. Adam is finally coming to terms with himself. He tells Jem, "I'm attracted to both men and women. It's not a phase. That's just who I am."
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It’s a huge, terrifying moment for him.
And Jem? She doesn't make a speech. She doesn't throw a parade. She basically just says "cool" and asks him on a date. That reaction—normalizing his bisexuality instead of treating it like a "trauma to be solved"—was the most healing thing that could have happened to Adam Groff. Bella Maclean nailed that casual, supportive vibe perfectly.
Why Bella Maclean was the perfect choice
Before she was Jem, Maclean was making waves in the London theatre scene. She actually made her professional debut as Martha in the 2021 revival of Spring Awakening at the Almeida Theatre. If you know that musical, you know it’s intense. It deals with the exact same themes of sexual awakening and repression as Sex Education, but with way more 19th-century angst.
That stage background shows. She has this way of holding a scene without saying much. In Sex Education, she had to compete for screen time with a massive ensemble cast, yet her chemistry with Connor Swindells felt lived-in.
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- Born: 1997 or 1998 (she recently cleared up the "internet age" rumors—she's 26).
- Education: Guildhall School of Music and Drama (Class of 2020).
- The "Rivals" Breakout: After Sex Education, she landed the lead role of Taggie O'Hara in the Disney+ series Rivals.
What most fans get wrong about her role
Some fans felt Jem was "forced" into the final season to give Adam a happy ending. I disagree.
The point of Bella Maclean in Sex Education wasn't to replace Eric. It was to show that Adam could find a connection that wasn't rooted in his past mistakes or his father’s shadow. Jem represented the "real world" outside of school. She was the adult life Adam was actually ready for.
Honestly, without her, Adam’s story would have felt unfinished. He needed to know that someone could know his truth and still want to grab a drink with him.
Life after the farm: What's next for Bella?
If you liked her as Jem, you’ve got to see her in Rivals. She plays Taggie O’Hara, and it is a total 180-degree turn from the farm life. It’s 1980s excess, big hair, and power suits. She’s also been spotted at Chanel shows during Paris Fashion Week, officially cementing her status as a "one to watch."
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She’s not just a "Netflix face" who disappears after one hit. She’s a trained, versatile actor who managed to make a supporting role in a cult-favorite show feel like the lead.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see more of Bella's range, check out her performance in the filmed version of Spring Awakening. It’s a great way to see the raw talent she brought to the screen as Jem. You can also dive into Rivals on Disney+ to see how she handles a massive, big-budget lead role.
For the Adam Groff fans—rewatch Season 4, Episode 8. Pay attention to how many times Jem smiles at him. It’s the closure we all needed.