Gayety

Tag: jessica gunning

  • Neil Patrick Harris and Bella Ramsey Light Up the Set of ‘Sunny Dancer’ in Scotland

    Neil Patrick Harris and Bella Ramsey Light Up the Set of ‘Sunny Dancer’ in Scotland

    Neil Patrick Harris is back on set—and this time, he’s swapping suits and magic tricks for heartfelt campfire moments. The Emmy-winning actor recently shared a behind-the-scenes photo with The Last of Us breakout Bella Ramsey, giving fans a first look at Sunny Dancer, a new coming-of-age film currently in production in the scenic Highlands of Scotland.

    In a post on Instagram, Harris couldn’t hide his enthusiasm: “I’m over in the UK having the most amazing time with Bella Ramsey and an incredible young cast on @georgejaques’ new movie, Sunny Dancer. Produced by @ken27ten. I can’t wait to show you more of this gem once I’m allowed (hope I don’t get in trouble for posting this pic). It’s really turning into something special.”

    Neil Patrick Harris joins Bella Ramsey on the set of 'Sunny Dancer,' filming now in Scotland. Photo: Instagram (@nph)
    Neil Patrick Harris joins Bella Ramsey on the set of ‘Sunny Dancer,’ filming now in Scotland. Photo: Instagram (@nph)

    A Camp Like No Other

    Sunny Dancer centers on Ivy (Ramsey), a teenager in remission from cancer whose parents insist she attend “Children Run Free Camp”—a summer retreat for young adults affected by the disease. The camp’s slogan, “Where kids come to kid,” doesn’t exactly ease Ivy’s nerves. A quick online search leads her to a cringeworthy promotional video full of sunset clichés and forced smiles.

    First look at Bella Ramsey in 'Sunny Dancer.' Photo: Colin J Smith via Variety
    First look at Bella Ramsey in ‘Sunny Dancer.’ Photo: Colin J Smith via Variety

    Ivy, already over the idea, refers to it as “chemo camp.” But as she’s reluctantly pulled into the whirlwind of camp life, unexpected friendships and new feelings begin to bloom.

    The film is the second feature from writer-director George Jaques (Black Dog), who’s quickly becoming a voice to watch in contemporary British cinema.

    A Starry and Youthful Ensemble

    Alongside Ramsey and Harris, the cast includes Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer) and James Norton (Bob Marley: One Love), as well as a vibrant young lineup: Daniel Quinn-Toye (Voltron), Earl Cave (Days of the Bagnold Summer), Conrad Khan (County Lines), Ruby Stokes (Bridgerton), and Jasmine Elcock.

    Producer Ken Petrie praised the cast’s natural bond: “The chemistry among our brilliant young cast is remarkable. What you’ll see on camera is a reflection of authentic friendship.”

    Off-Screen Highlights

    Beyond Sunny Dancer, Harris has a few other projects bubbling. He and husband David Burtka are set to release a joint book later this year titled Both Sides of the Glass: Paired Cocktails and Mocktails to Toast Any Taste. The book, inspired by their dynamic—Burtka is sober, Harris still drinks—features recipes tailored for both palates.

  • Nava Mau Becomes First Out Trans Actor Nominated for TV BAFTA

    Nava Mau Becomes First Out Trans Actor Nominated for TV BAFTA

    The nominees for the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards have been revealed, with Baby Reindeer dominating the field, and Nava Mau making history as the first out transgender actor to ever be nominated for a TV BAFTA.

    Historic Nomination for Nava Mau

    Mau, 32, earned the nomination for her role in Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, a drama that has already made a significant impact, winning six Emmy awards last year. In addition to Mau’s groundbreaking recognition, the series also received seven other BAFTA nominations, including for lead actor Richard Gadd and supporting actresses Jessica Gunning and Mau.

    Mau’s nomination marks a major milestone in the entertainment industry. Not only is she the first out trans actor to be nominated for a TV BAFTA, but she also made history last year with a Primetime Emmy nomination in the limited series or TV movie acting category.

    Reflecting on her Emmy nomination, Mau discussed the challenges faced by trans people, especially Latinas and other underrepresented communities. “Unfortunately, the opportunities afforded to trans people and Latinas and all under-represented people have been extremely limited,” she said. “That has gotten in the way of us being able to grow in our craft and explore all we can be.”

    Mau, who is also set to star in the upcoming season of Netflix’s thriller You, expressed hope for the future. “I by no means will be the only [trans actress] moving forward,” she said. “What Baby Reindeer and this moment has shown is that when we’re given the opportunity, we can grow into it and so far beyond it.”

    Other Notable BAFTA TV Nominations

    Baby Reindeer is not the only show making waves at this year’s BAFTA TV nominations. The drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office also earned multiple nods, while Say Nothing, a series set in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, and the thriller Slow Horses received recognition as well.

    In terms of LGBTQ+ representation, several actors have been nominated. Lola Petticrew received a nod for leading actress for their role in Say Nothing, and Sharon D Clarke earned a nomination in the same category for her performance in Mr Loverman, a queer Caribbean drama.

    McKinley Belcher III received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Netflix’s Eric, while Bilal Hasna is up for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Extraordinary, a superhero comedy series. Additionally, hit LGBTQ+ comedies We Are Lady Parts and Smoggie Queens earned nominations, showcasing the growing visibility of queer voices in television.

    The BAFTA TV Awards

    The 2025 BAFTA TV Awards will take place on May 11 at the Royal Festival Hall in London. This year’s ceremony promises to highlight the diverse range of talent and groundbreaking stories being told on television, including significant representation from the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Jessica Gunning Proudly Comes Out: “I’m a Big, Old Gay”

    Jessica Gunning Proudly Comes Out: “I’m a Big, Old Gay”

    British actress Jessica Gunning, star of Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, has come out publicly as gay. The 38-year-old actress, who plays the character Martha in the hit thriller-comedy series, shared her personal story during a recent podcast interview.

    A Personal Revelation

    Speaking with journalist Josh Rein on his podcast Reign with Josh Smith, Gunning marked Pride Month by discussing her journey to self-discovery. “I came out in November 2022. And that was a mega, mega thing for me,” she revealed. “I am surrounded by gays, like all my friends are gay, so it wasn’t that I was repressing anything, it was just that I didn’t think that I could be.

    She continued, “I still can’t articulate it in the best way. But I realized I was a big, old gay. I was like, ‘That’s what it’s been, that’s what it is’. And that was like a massive moment where everything kind of clicked and I made sense of myself then.”

    Signs Along the Way

    Gunning mentioned that she had noticed signs about her sexuality throughout her life. One of the most memorable moments was kissing Cate Blanchet in 2019. Yup, that’ll do it. She starred in the National Theatre production of When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other, where she shared a stage smooch with Blanchett. “I should have known then. All these signs from pre-Reindeer staring me in the face.”

    She also played a role in the 2014 film Pride, which told the true story of LGBTQ+ activists supporting the miners’ strike in the UK.

    Feeling Like an Outsider

    Before coming out, Gunning admitted she felt out of place. “For so long, I’d thought, ‘I know I’m a bigger woman,’ and I thought that maybe it was to do with my size that I felt a bit like almost alien or like I was tagging along,” she explained. “But as soon as I realized, I was like, ‘No, it’s that,’ and that was like the most liberating thing.”

    Celebrating Authenticity

    Netflix

    Baby Reindeer, which tells the harrowing true story of a comedian stalked by a woman named Martha, features Gunning in a standout role. The show, written by and starring LGBTQ+ comedian Richard Gadd, showcases a wealth of queer talent. Gadd, who Martha stalked after offering her a cup of tea, portrays his experiences through the character Donny Dunn. The show also features trans actress Nava Mau, who plays Donny’s girlfriend Teri.

    Living Her Truth

    Gunning’s story is a testament to the power of living one’s truth. As she continues to shine on and off the screen, she inspires others to embrace their true selves. Happy Pride Month to Jessica Gunning and everyone celebrating their unique identities!