House of the Dragon's Matt Smith praised for correcting Sue Perkins over star's pronouns

Matt Smith has received a wave of support from fans for his swift correction of Sue Perkins' pronoun slip-up regarding his House of the Dragon co-star during an interview. The discussion occurred as both attended Sky's Season 2 premiere of the HBO show in Leicester Square, London.

Esteemed actor Matt, known for his roles in BBC's Doctor Who and Netflix's The Crown, was discussing the second season of the Game of Thrones prequel with the television host when Sue mistakenly referred to non-binary actor Emma D'Arcy as "she". Emma prefers they/them pronouns, a fact Matt deftly highlighted as he continued the conversation with the former presenter of the Great British Bake Off, which now resides on Channel 4.

A video circulating on social media captured the moment, as Sue remarked: "I was talking to Emma and she was talking about how amazing that end scene was... and she gave you all the credit."

Matt, emphasizing "they", responded: "I can't take the credit, but I have to say, aren't they brilliant? They are absolutely brilliant and you're in for a real treat with Emma this year. I think Emma's put in a really great performance."

Social media users expressed their admiration for Matt's considerate behaviour towards his co-star, with one fan commenting: "Matt correcting Sue on Emma's pronouns OH MY HEART." (sic)

Another noted that this wasn't an isolated incident at the premiere, adding: "Emma deserves better as this wasn't the only time this happened at the premiere. I am, however, howling at how passive-aggressive Matt got real quick."

One observer penned: "The way he looked the interviewer dead in the face and said 'They' multiple times is chef kiss." (sic)

Another voiced their opinion, saying: "Good man! But honestly, a big network like Sky messing up Emma's pronouns at a big premiere is so unserious. They need to do better." (sic)

A further commenter applauded: "Oh Matt you precious bean, I don't understand how this sweet man can get hate." (sic)

Emma, aged 31, recently spoke about the relationship between clothing and their non-binary identity in a conversation with HighSnobiety magazine.

They stated: "Clothing, for most people, is central to who they are and how they express themselves. But for gender-fluid or trans people, clothes play an even more fundamental role."

Viewers were given more insight into their apparel preferences, as Emma explained: "I'm a trans-masc presenting person, and broadly, my instinct is to wear rigid shapes softly.

"I used to be more into texture, but now I'm gradually getting more into bright colours. I love wearing things owned by other people with different stories. I grew up wearing garments found in charity shops.

"I love the idea that my clothes have had a life before me... Clothes are armour for me. They're essential to who I am and how I feel different in different outfits."

Emma reflected on the impact of her acting roles on her personal style, saying: "If anything has changed my style, it's my work.

"Rhaenyra [Targaryen] and the many skirts I have to wear to play that character makes me want to dress more masculine.

"But doesn't a recalibration process happen every time someone is pushed into a new context? I've learned you have to discover what you aren't to know what you want to wear."

House of the Dragon Season 2 is available to watch on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV from June 16.