TV

Russell T Davies wanted It’s A Sin to be ‘safe space’ for gay actors


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Russell T Davies wanted his new drama It’s A Sin to be a ‘safe space’ for gay actors to ‘be themselves’.

The series follows the lives of a group of young gay men affected by the Aids crisis in the UK.

The writer was asked on Monday’s episode of The One Show why he cast gay actors to play gay characters for It’s A Sin when he hadn’t for his groundbreaking drama Queer As Folk.

He explained that he had ‘developed’ over the last 20 or so years since Queer As Folk was on TV.

Speaking about its stars Aiden Gillen, Craig Kelly and Charlie Hunnam, Russell said: ‘Those three boys in Queer as Folk were the bravest actors in the land. Very few people would have stood forward and played a part then. It’s simply that 23 years have passed since we cast them.

‘I’m not changing my mind, you develop over 23 years and now, I’m just programme maker among hundreds. Hundreds of others can do whatever they want, I’m not in charge.

The drama follows the lives of a group of gay friends affects by the Aids crisis in the UK (Picture: Channel 4)

‘For my one programme, for these five hours, I wanted to create a safe space where gay actors could voluntarily come in and be themselves and be themselves and I think it’s created a genuine vibe for want of a better word.’

The former Doctor Who writer added: ‘I think there’s an energy that rises off the screen and a truth and I’m very, very happy with the end result.’

His comments come after he stressed the importance of casting gay actors in gay roles, telling Radio Times ‘they are not there to “act gay” because “acting gay” is a bunch of codes for a performance.

‘It’s about authenticity, the taste of 2020.’

It’s A Sin, starring Years and Years frontman Olly Alexander, starts January 22 on Channel 4.

The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on BBC One.

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