Gayety

Tag: bbc

  • JADE Sets Her Ex’s History Ablaze in ‘Plastic Box’ as Her Solo Era Turns Up the Drama in Upcoming Single

    JADE Sets Her Ex’s History Ablaze in ‘Plastic Box’ as Her Solo Era Turns Up the Drama in Upcoming Single

    Little Mix may have taken their final bow, but Jade Thirlwall is just getting started. Now performing under her first name, JADE has announced that her debut solo album That’s Showbiz Baby will drop Friday, September 12. And to keep the buzz building, she’s serving up another sonic appetizer, a new single titled Plastic Box.

    JADE made the reveal on social media, cryptically captioning: “Plastic Box coming. Pre-save now.” Fans didn’t need more. Chaos ensued, the good kind.

     

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    A post shared by JADE (@jadethirlwall)

    Plastic, But Make It Personal

    Plastic Box marks JADE’s fourth single from her upcoming record, following Angel of My Dreams, Fantasy, and the gloriously petty FUFN (short for “F*** You For Now”). And if the sneak peek from her Mighty Hoopla performance is anything to go by, this track has bite.

    Lyrically, JADE doesn’t shy away from the sting of jealousy:

    “’Cause I know you had a life before me, but I’m jealous, obsessive / And I wanna burn all your history, burn your history.”

    It’s a glossy, midtempo bop that wears its angst like glitter. Think breakup drama, but make it fashion.

    A Star Is Reborn (In Heels and Sequins)

    JADE’s solo journey kicked off with a glitter bomb at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool on May 25. The performance marked her official debut as a solo act, and she didn’t disappoint. Her setlist included Angel of My Dreams, Fantasy, IT Girl, Midnight Cowboy, and FUFN, plus a 90s mashup of Madonna’s Frozen and N-Trance’s Set You Free that had everyone dancing and crying at the same time.

    Then came her dazzling set at Mighty Hoopla on May 31, complete with a teaser for Plastic Box that left fans breathless and pressing “replay.”

    On the Road and On the Rise

    Following the album’s September release, JADE is headed on tour across the UK, with a special hometown stop at Newcastle’s O2 City Hall. But fans won’t have to wait that long to catch her live again. She’s booked for Capital’s Summertime Ball on June 15, then she’ll hit Glastonbury’s Woodsies Stage, which is set to be streamed on the BBC.

    It’s not just a tour, it’s a victory lap.

    Fans Are Already Obsessed

    JADE’s stans are in full formation and losing it (respectfully). One fan declared, “IT’S A HITTTTT.” Another added, “It’s already a hit here at my house!” Others simply dropped to their knees in all caps: “WE GAGGIN”

    She may have just stepped out on her own, but JADE’s fanbase is already treating this era like sacred text.

    A Brit, A Banger, and a Breakout Moment

    Earlier this year, JADE not only performed at the BRIT Awards, she also walked away with a win. That moment, paired with her bold musical choices and unapologetically personal lyrics, makes it clear: JADE isn’t just relaunching her career. She’s rewriting the rules.

  • BBC Drops Trailer for ‘What It Feels Like For a Girl,’ a Bold Dive Into Y2K Queer Identity

    BBC Drops Trailer for ‘What It Feels Like For a Girl,’ a Bold Dive Into Y2K Queer Identity

    The BBC has officially released the trailer for its much-anticipated queer coming-of-age drama What It Feels Like For a Girl, set to launch June 3 on BBC iPlayer. Based on the acclaimed memoir by writer and journalist Paris Lees, the eight-episode series offers a raw and colorful glimpse into early 2000s queer youth culture in the UK.

    Escaping the Ordinary

    At the heart of the story is Byron, played by Ellis Howard, a teenager aching to escape the suffocating grip of a small post-industrial town “that hasn’t been the same since the coal mine shut down in the ’80s.” Desperate to find meaning—and a way out—Byron dives headfirst into Nottingham’s underground queer nightlife, where things move fast, fierce, and fabulously out of control.

    Preview Pics from the new show 'What It Feels Like for a Girl.'
    Photo: BBC
    Preview Pics from the new show 'What It Feels Like for a Girl.' Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    According to the BBC’s official synopsis, “Byron needs to get away and doesn’t care how.” And so, life spirals into a thrilling cocktail of late-night raves, found family chaos, and personal reckoning.

    Meet the Fallen Divas

    Once in Nottingham, Byron encounters the magnetic and mysterious Lady Die (Laquarn Lewis), along with fellow misfits Sticky Nikki (Alex Thomas-Smith) and Dirty Damian (Adam Ali). Together, they form the “Fallen Divas,” a gang of queer partygoers surviving by any means necessary. The crew begs, borrows, and hustles their way through the pulse of the early 2000s club scene.

    An icy rivalry emerges between Byron and acid-tongued scene queen Sasha (Hannah Jones), while a romance with dangerous bad-boy Liam (Jake Dunn) sets the stage for a shocking and transformative twist.

    Star-Studded Cast and Electric Vibes

    The ensemble cast also includes Calam Lynch as Max, Dickie Beau as Peter, and appearances from Emma Shipp, Sekou Diaby, Laura Checkley, Oliver Huntingdon, Lorn Macdonald, Rhys Connah, Fay Ripley and Selina Mosinski.

    Preview Pics from the new show 'What It Feels Like for a Girl.'
    Photo: BBC

    The series promises “a rollercoaster ride of hedonism” with strong themes of escapism, identity, and emotional survival—delivered through equal parts glitter, heartbreak, and wild abandon.

    A Memoir Brought to Life

    Paris Lees, who both wrote the original memoir and serves as a producer on the project, brings an intimate and unflinching perspective to Byron’s world. Her story—translated to screen with style and grit—resonates deeply in an era where queer voices continue to fight for space and visibility.

    What It Feels Like For a Girl premieres all eight episodes on BBC iPlayer on June 3. Whether you lived through the Y2K era or just want to dance like no one’s watching, this is one ride you won’t want to miss.

  • BBC Unveils Sizzling Season 2 Cast for ‘I Kissed a Boy’

    BBC Unveils Sizzling Season 2 Cast for ‘I Kissed a Boy’

    BBC Three is turning up the heat this spring with the return of its groundbreaking queer dating show I Kissed a Boy. The second season debuts May 11 on BBC Three and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

    Hosted once again by pop icon Dannii Minogue, the show sends a group of single gay men to a stunning Italian masseria—think rustic villa meets summer love island. The twist? They’re matched up before they’ve even said hello. Expect sparks, awkward kisses, and plenty of romantic (and dramatic) detours along the way.

     

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    A post shared by BBC Three (@bbcthree)

    Season 1 launched in 2023 and later streamed on Hulu in the U.S., where it quickly found an international fanbase. No word yet on a global release for Season 2, but we’ll update as soon as the BBC spills the tea.

    Ready to meet the new cast of kiss-ready contenders? Say hello to 12 fabulous singles looking for love, lust, or maybe just a really good tan.

    Adam

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 27 | From: Reading | Marketing and Brand Manager
    A self-proclaimed “career gal,” Adam lives for the buzz of the beauty industry and East London’s disco scene. “If I could visit another era,” he says, “the ‘70s would be it.”

    Aron

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 27 | From: Croydon | Civil Servant & Cheer Coach
    This two-time world champion cheerleader is flipping into the villa and hoping to stick the landing—with a boyfriend this time.

    Callum

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 27 | From: Hastings | Administrator
    Chaotic, cheeky, and unfiltered, Callum says he doesn’t follow the rules—especially when it comes to love.

    Jack D

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 26 | From: Glasgow | Hospital Pharmacist
    He’s ready to trade solo pastries and pints for someone to share them with. Call him the lovable Glaswegian dater-next-door.

    Jack S

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 22 | From: Wigan | Banking Advisor
    Tattooed with his nan’s name and repping his rap alter ego “Jack Maniac,” he’s androgynous, fierce, and here for romance.

    Jas

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 27 | From: Glasgow | Finance Analyst
    A proud Scottish Punjabi man, Jas says his family’s support is his superpower—and he’s not afraid to use it.

    Jordan B

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 25 | From: Lake District | Retail Manager
    From herding sheep to hunting hearts, Jordan’s ready to swap farm life for fiery flirtation in the masseria.

    Jordon R

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 27 | From: Leeds | Sales Manager
    He’s done with emotionally unavailable guys. Can the masseria help him open up and find something real?

    Lars

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 23 | From: Wolverhampton | Hotel Receptionist
    Football fan and cheeky chappy Lars has fully embraced his transition—and now he’s chasing the missing puzzle piece: love.

    Rory

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 22 | From: Galway, Ireland | Mental Health Support Worker
    He keeps his cool around drama but admits it takes a lot to steal his heart. His celeb crushes? Michael B. Jordan, Joey Essex and Troye Sivan.

    Ruben

    Photo: BBC
    Photo: BBC

    Age: 24 | From: London | Artist & Designer
    A soft-spoken creative with a self-confessed fear of vulnerability, Ruben is hoping the Italian sun will warm up his heart.

    Get ready for sun-drenched smooches, messy love triangles, and fierce friendships when I Kissed a Boy returns. Could one of these hopefuls kiss—and tell—their way into your heart?

  • Alan Cumming to Bring Chaos and Terror to ‘Doctor Who’ as Animated Villain

    Alan Cumming to Bring Chaos and Terror to ‘Doctor Who’ as Animated Villain

    Alan Cumming is set to appear in the upcoming season of Doctor Who, marking his return to the beloved sci-fi series. The BBC announced on Thursday that Cumming, 60, will voice an animated character named Mr. Ring-a-Ding in the second episode of the new season, which is set to air on April 19.

    In a press statement, the BBC described Mr. Ring-a-Ding as “a happy, funny, singalong cartoon” who lives in Sunny Town with his friend Sunshine Sally. However, after years of being confined to the screen in 1952, Mr. Ring-a-Ding suddenly becomes aware of the real world outside — and the consequences of this realization are “terrifying.”

    In a press statement, the BBC described Mr. Ring-a-Ding as “a happy, funny, singalong cartoon” who lives in Sunny Town with his friend Sunshine Sally.
    Photo: BBC

    Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, known for his work on Queer As Folk and It’s a Sin, praised Cumming’s casting, calling him the perfect fit for the role. “Only Alan Cumming could give a runaway cartoon so much wit, malice, danger, and fun,” Davies said. “He makes the whole universe of Doctor Who wilder and madder than ever, and it’s an absolute honour to welcome him on board the TARDIS.”

    Davies also teased on Instagram that Mr. Ring-a-Ding will bring “terror to 1950s Miami” in the episode, adding an exciting twist to the show’s upcoming storyline.

    This will be Cumming’s second appearance on Doctor Who. In 2018, he portrayed King James I in the episode The Witchfinders, when Jodie Whittaker was playing the Doctor.

    Currently, the lead role of the Doctor is played by Ncuti Gatwa, who is gearing up for his second full season as the iconic Time Lord. Gatwa shared the exciting news of Cumming’s casting on Instagram, expressing his gratitude to work alongside the acclaimed actor. “So blessed to have Alan Cumming joining the new season of Doctor Who,” Gatwa wrote, calling Cumming a “legend.”

    Currently, the lead role of the Doctor is played by Ncuti Gatwa, who is gearing up for his second full season as the iconic Time Lord.
    Photo: Instagram/@ncutigatwa

    In addition to his Doctor Who role, Cumming recently won his first Emmy for hosting the reality competition The Traitors. He also confirmed that he is in talks to reprise his role in the long-awaited Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion sequel, with hopes to begin filming this summer.

    Fans of Doctor Who can catch Cumming’s animated debut as Mr. Ring-a-Ding in the highly anticipated second episode of the season, which will air on BBC1 in the UK and on Disney+ globally.

     

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  • BBC Dismisses Rumors That ‘Doctor Who’ and Ncuti Gatwa Are Facing Cancellation Over ‘Woke’ Backlash

    BBC Dismisses Rumors That ‘Doctor Who’ and Ncuti Gatwa Are Facing Cancellation Over ‘Woke’ Backlash

    The BBC has firmly denied rumors suggesting that Doctor Who and its lead star, Ncuti Gatwa, are facing cancellation due to alleged “wokery” in its storylines. The broadcaster called recent tabloid reports “incorrect,” dismissing claims that the long-running sci-fi series is in danger of being axed.

    The speculation arose following an article published by The Sun on 17 February, which claimed that Gatwa, who made his debut as the 15th Doctor in December 2023, was planning to quit the show after two seasons. The report also suggested that fans were upset over the inclusion of progressive themes in the storylines, which it referred to as “wokery.”

    Despite these claims, the BBC emphasized that Doctor Who remains a key part of its programming. In response to the article, a BBC spokesperson said: “This story is incorrect, Doctor Who has not been shelved. As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs. The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes, and exactly half of those still have to transmit. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.”

    In the most recent *Doctor Who* series, Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor shared a kiss with Jonathan Groff's character, Rogue.
    In the most recent ‘Doctor Who’ series, Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor shared a kiss with Jonathan Groff’s character, Rogue. Photo: BCC/Disney

    The tabloid article also asserted that the show was facing “abysmal ratings” and that there was backlash regarding the show’s inclusive themes, despite Doctor Who’s longstanding commitment to showcasing queer and diverse storylines. However, in an interview from 2024, the BBC revealed that Doctor Who remains one of the most-watched programs on the BBC iPlayer, and the show continues to be the top drama for viewers under 35.

    Gatwa’s Resilience Amid Backlash

    Gatwa, 32, has faced some vocal criticism since assuming the role of the Doctor. In particular, some fans have expressed disappointment with the series’ emphasis on inclusivity, a feature that has been a part of the show’s DNA long before Gatwa’s tenure. However, the actor, who made history as the first Black and openly queer Doctor, has been open about his experience with both support and backlash.

    Despite facing homophobic and racist attacks, Gatwa has consistently praised the warmth and love he has received from fans, sharing how they’ve made him feel embraced by the Doctor Who community.

     

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    A post shared by Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho)

    “I wouldn’t be the only Black lead that’s taken over a sci-fi franchise that would have received that sort of treatment,” Gatwa told Vanity Fair in November 2024. “Unfortunately, those are voices that exist in sci-fi fandoms – but they’re not the only voices.”

    Gatwa further described how Doctor Who fans have made him feel like part of a “big nerd family” since stepping into the role. He highlighted how, even during difficult circumstances—such as shooting in extreme weather conditions—there are always dedicated fans waiting outside the studio.

    “I just remember feeling a lot of warmth and love, being embraced into a big nerd family. When we’re shooting Doctor Who, there are fans outside the studio or on location every single time, be it at 4am, be it minus-12 degrees,” he said.

    Looking Past the Negativity

    While acknowledging that racism and homophobia are still real issues, Gatwa expressed his focus on the positives that have come from his time on Doctor Who. He’s used to navigating criticism, but he chooses to concentrate on the love and support that surrounds him.

    “I don’t want to invalidate the very real thing that is racism, homophobia. I don’t act as if they don’t exist or they don’t affect me. They do. But I try to pay it no mind and look at the many, many positives that came from joining the Whoniverse,” Gatwa said.

    The actor’s resilience and positivity seem to be paying off, as Doctor Who continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its inclusive storytelling and bold new direction under Gatwa’s leadership. The show remains a symbol of diversity, creativity, and inclusion, resonating with a new generation of viewers.

    As the BBC continues to champion Doctor Who and its future, fans can look forward to more thrilling adventures with Gatwa as the Doctor, exploring new stories, characters, and galaxies.

  • Ncuti Gatwa’s ‘Doctor Who’ Will Bring the Queer Energy, Says Showrunner

    Ncuti Gatwa’s ‘Doctor Who’ Will Bring the Queer Energy, Says Showrunner

    Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in Sex Education, is gearing up to bring a wave of “queer energy” to the iconic role of The Doctor in the upcoming season of Doctor Who. 

    Showrunner Russell T Davies spills the tea on what fans can expect from Gatwa’s groundbreaking portrayal, promising a character who’s anything but “neutered.”

    Breaking Barriers with a Queer Doctor

    Davies, renowned for his storytelling prowess, shared with Variety that Gatwa’s Doctor won’t shy away from embracing his queer identity. This isn’t about putting a label on the Doctor’s sexuality but rather letting his innate “lightness and joy” shine, something Davies feels resonates with queer energy. 

    He cheekily noted that past incarnations of the Time Lord “weren’t exactly the straightest men,” suggesting a rich subtext has always been woven into the fabric of the character.

    As the first out queer actor to take on the role, Gatwa’s casting alone is a bold statement. The inclusion of queer themes won’t dominate the plot but expect subtle nods and explorations throughout the series. Davies made it clear: “We’re not delivering a neutered Doctor.”

    A Legacy of Inclusivity

    Davies has always pushed the envelope, and casting Gatwa was no exception. The search for the new Doctor was broad, including men, women, Black, white, non-binary actors, and those who keep their sexuality private. Davies thrives on challenging norms: “It’s very hard for anyone to stop me doing these things… you’d have to be a pretty brave executive to say: ‘Don’t go there’ to me.”

    This casting choice follows in the footsteps of Jodie Whittaker, the first female Doctor, who faced challenges from fans clinging to traditional portrayals. Gatwa has a fierce message for detractors: true fans understand that regeneration and change are at the heart of Doctor Who. “You’ve not been watching,” he asserts, if you think the Doctor should fit a single mold.

    Camp and Queer Villainy

    Adding even more flair to the new season, episode two introduces Jinkx Monsoon, a two-time winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as the Maestro—possibly the Doctor’s campest nemesis yet. This casting choice amplifies the season’s embrace of diverse and vibrant characters.

    (Screengrab)

    Premiere Countdown

    Get ready to catch the premiere on May 11, with a special midnight release on iPlayer and Disney+, followed by a broadcast on BBC One later that day. 

    With Gatwa at the helm, this season of Doctor Who promises to be a celebratory journey of diversity and regeneration, reshaping what it means to wield the sonic screwdriver. Whether you’re a longtime Whovian or new to the series, this season is poised to dazzle with its bold narrative and charismatic new Doctor.

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