Normal People Star Paul Mescal Is SELLING Connell's Chain

There comes a time in all of our lives - several times, in fact, for some of us - where we find ourselves falling head over heels for someone who just won't love us back. Some call it unrequited love, others just plain Sod's Law.

Sometimes the recipient of that adoration is a friend's ex. Sometimes it's your married teacher. Sometimes it's a movie star. Less often, it's a silver chain necklace.

No, we haven't totally lost it (or have we? We might have...). We are, of course, referring to #ConnellsChain.

A necklace so popular it has its own Instagram account - which has so far amassed a thirsty 169,000+ strong following - the chain capturing the nation's heart right now comes via the neck of a certain Connell Waldron, the lead actor in BBC Three’s runaway hit Normal People .

Acknowledging its inordinate popularity, Paul Mescal, who plays Connell Waldron, this week revealed that he is selling (SELLING) one of his own beloved chains in a raffle to raise money for a mental health charity that has personal pertinence.

Teaming up with Pieta - a Dublin-based charity that provides free crisis intervention services to those experiencing suicidal ideation, those engaging in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide - Paul revealed in an Instagram post that he has "personally seen the amazing work this charity has done in terms of helping those in need".

The touching tribute also resonates with his much-loved character, Connell, who faces his own mental health battles and seeks professional help towards the end of the series.

The white gold chain, which was designed by fashion-favourite independent designer Roxanne First, has already raised over €45,000 and is set to increase further before it closes on June 8th and a winner is selected.

And perhaps it's a good thing that this beautiful chain will be heading to a new owner, as Paul revealed sheepishly a couple of weeks ago that the original beloved chain was - at one point in its blessed life - LOST.

Speaking to Variety during an Instagram live, Paul revealed that he had given the chain to the heavenly Daisy Edgar-Jones (who plays Marianne) before it was lost during a photoshoot.

"I gave it to Daisy and I'm not going to blame her for losing it! I gave it to her as a wrap gift with photographs at the end of filming. We then came back to shoot the poster for the show and I had to wear it and it got lost in all the costumes and stuff."

But before anyone passes out, this story had a (spoiler alert) much happier ending than Normal People.

"But", he teased, "[it was found eventually] and I think Daisy has it now. You can call off the search party!"

While we'd like to say we believe every word our Connell Paul says, we we'd be lying if we said we weren't waiting for a glimpse of proof that the beloved chain was safe.

Thankfully, Daisy answered our prayers with an Instagram post showcasing the piece in all its glory alongside none other than Marianne's favourite ring. Double swoon.

If you want to bid on the chain and raise money for Pieta, head to Paul Mescal's raffle page where you can donate as little as €10, which will give you 10 entries.

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