Category: TV

Stay updated with the latest in LGBTQ+ entertainment through Gayety’s comprehensive coverage of television news and features.

  • Chrishell Stause Calls Out Bre Tiesi Over MAGA Post and Slur Against Partner G Flip in ‘Selling Sunset’ Feud

    Chrishell Stause Calls Out Bre Tiesi Over MAGA Post and Slur Against Partner G Flip in ‘Selling Sunset’ Feud

    Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause is once again speaking out in defense of her partner, Australian musician G Flip, amid a swirl of social media controversy and behind-the-scenes tension with her castmates.

    In a series of Instagram Stories posted last week, Stause called out fellow cast member Bre Tiesi for promoting a politically charged brand and for allegedly using an outdated and offensive term to refer to G Flip, who is nonbinary.

    “Some people are GREAT for TV, but when it comes to talking about our real issues (using slurs etc), they tend to be cut,” Stause wrote over a screenshot of a promotional post by Tiesi for a company called MAGA Bracelets. “So use this as a guideline when you watch season 9.”

    Photo: Instagram (@chrishell.stause)
    Photo: Instagram (@chrishell.stause)

    The MAGA Bracelets brand, according to promotional materials, markets itself as selling “patriotic conservative jewelry.” Tiesi has since apologized, claiming she was unaware of the affiliation and stating in an Instagram Story, “I am far from MAGA” and “I cannot apologize enough for the oversight here.”

    Photo: Instagram (@bre_tiesi)
    Photo: Instagram (@bre_tiesi)

    Influencer Jennifer Stano also came to Tiesi’s defense, explaining that Tiesi had been sent an evil eye bracelet from a company called Lavara Verse and that the promotional material included a card from a related brand — MAGA Bracelets — without Tiesi’s knowledge of the connection.

    Despite the apology, the controversy didn’t end there. Stause continued addressing the issue on her Instagram, pointing to a People report from April 2024 that detailed a lawsuit involving Tiesi and three former employees. The suit accuses Tiesi of “emotional distress, loss of earnings, and loss of employment benefits,” with the plaintiffs claiming they were “harassed, discriminated against, and/or retaliated against on the basis of their sex, gender, and/or sexual orientation.”

    Tiesi has denied all allegations made in the suit.

    Stause emphasized that her concerns go beyond politics. “Finding out how she referred to my partner will not make the show, but no this is not just a political thing to those saying that,” she wrote.

    Photo: Instagram (@chrishell.stause)
    Photo: Instagram (@chrishell.stause)

    Stause added that production limitations due to the lawsuit forced cast members to “tiptoe around the real issues while filming.”

    She later shared the dictionary definition of the word “transvestite,” labeling it an “outdated and often considered offensive term.”

    Photo: Instagram (@chrishell.stause)
    Photo: Instagram (@chrishell.stause)

    “Not my job to teach her that this term is EXTREMELY outdated, but here’s a free education,” she wrote. “And if my partner WAS trans, they are not, I would happily love them exactly the same. GTFOH. Someone take my phone.”

    G Flip, who began dating Stause in 2022 following her split from Selling Sunset co-star Jason Oppenheim, identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. While some nonbinary individuals identify as transgender, others do not.

    This incident isn’t the first time Stause has had to advocate for her partner’s identity on the show. During a 2023 episode, she corrected castmate Marie-Lou Nurk, who misgendered G Flip by using “she/her” pronouns.

    “Okay, my partner is nonbinary, they use they/them pronouns, this is a simple thing,” Stause told Nurk on camera.

    She also addressed tension with Nicole Young during the Season 7 reunion episode. Stause accused Young of liking an Instagram comment that read, “I was hoping the lesbian chick was off in Australia this season and not on our screens.”

    “First of all, say whatever you want about me, I’m a tough bitch,” Stause told Young during the reunion. “But don’t go after my partner. Ever.”

    “Listen, I will own it. I’ve been a bitch to you. I hate you. I own it… If you’re gonna literally go to homophobic people and cheer them on because they hate me for that reason, that is hate, Nicole.”

    While Netflix has yet to officially announce a ninth season of Selling Sunset, Stause and several cast members have confirmed that filming has already taken place.

  • Joe Exotic Announces Prison Marriage to Fellow Inmate Jorge Flores Maldonado

    Joe Exotic Announces Prison Marriage to Fellow Inmate Jorge Flores Maldonado

    Tiger King star Joe Exotic has tied the knot — again — and this time, it happened behind bars.

    The flamboyant former zookeeper and convicted felon, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, revealed Monday that he married fellow inmate Jorge Flores Maldonado while serving a 21-year sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

    “Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband, Jorge Flores Maldonado,” Exotic wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by a photo of the couple standing beneath a flower-draped trellis. The image has not been independently verified.

    A spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons declined to confirm the marriage, telling Entertainment Weekly that the agency does not comment on “the conditions of confinement for any individual in our custody.”

    A Wedding Years in the Making

    Exotic, 61, first revealed his relationship with Flores in October 2024, saying the pair had gotten engaged and were awaiting approval to marry.

    “We filed our official papers for the marriage license from the prison yesterday, so we’re just waiting for an approval,” he said at the time. He noted that the process required sign-off from the prison’s warden, chaplain and psychiatric staff.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Joseph A Maldonado (@joe_exotic)

    “We love each other very much, spend every minute of the day together,” Exotic added. “I’ve been through some stuff in my days. I buried two husbands, the third one ran off with $2.6 million from Netflix and left my ass here, but Jorge is a very amazing young man.”

    Exotic’s Rocky Romantic History

    Exotic’s most recent previous marriage was to Dillon Passage, whom he wed in 2017. That relationship ended in 2020. Prior to Passage, Exotic was married to Travis Maldonado, whose tragic and accidental death by self-inflicted gunshot was documented in Tiger King.

    His love life has often played out as dramatically as his legal troubles. In 2020, Exotic was convicted on 19 federal charges, including two counts of murder-for-hire against animal rights activist Carole Baskin, and violations of wildlife laws. He was originally sentenced to 22 years, but the sentence was reduced to 21 years in 2022 after a federal appeals court found issues with how the murder-for-hire charges were handled.

    Despite his imprisonment, Exotic has maintained a public presence via social media and continues to push for a retrial, claiming innocence in the murder-for-hire plot that made him a pop culture phenomenon during the height of the pandemic.

    No word yet on a honeymoon — but knowing Joe Exotic, it’s probably already being planned.

  • Tom Daley and Other LGBTQ+ Stars Rumored to be in Star-Studded Lineup for UK’s Celebrity ‘Traitors’

    Tom Daley and Other LGBTQ+ Stars Rumored to be in Star-Studded Lineup for UK’s Celebrity ‘Traitors’

    The BBC’s upcoming celebrity edition of “The Traitors” is already generating buzz before its official cast announcement, with several high-profile LGBTQ+ stars and allies reportedly set to appear.

    According to a report published Tuesday by The Mirror, Olympic gold medalist Tom Daley, broadcaster and author Stephen Fry, sports presenter Clare Balding, singer-songwriter Cat Burns, and comedian Alan Carr are all expected to join the first celebrity installment of the hit psychological competition series.

    The BBC has yet to confirm the lineup, and producers at Studio Lambert, the company behind the show, have remained tight-lipped. When approached for comment by PinkNews, a BBC spokesperson offered a cryptic response, in line with the show’s themes of secrecy and subterfuge. “The Traitors includes lies and deception, so it would be foolhardy for any Faithful to speculate before the game has begun,” the spokesperson said.

    Filming for the show reportedly began this week in Scotland, following the same format and dramatic setting that captivated audiences in the original version. The celebrity spin-off, hosted once again by Claudia Winkleman, is expected to bring a new dynamic to the game, which pits “Faithfuls” against “Traitors” in a high-stakes battle of wit, alliances and betrayal.

    According to The Mirror, production insiders believe the celebrity edition will diverge significantly from the original version, which featured everyday contestants competing for a sizable cash prize. “There will be a huge mix of personalities and ego sizes,” a source told the newspaper. “Seeing how it all works out is going to be fascinating.”

    The insider added that because celebrities may be less driven by financial gain and more concerned about public perception, the strategies and social dynamics could unfold very differently. “The team making the show are expecting it to be quite different to the regular version because the celebrities will be less motivated by the prize fund but care far more about how they come across,” the source continued. “It will be interesting to see how the gameplay compares, along with which tactics they employ.”

    In addition to the reported LGBTQ+ contestants, the rumored cast features a wide array of British media personalities and entertainers. These include Welsh singer and activist Charlotte Church, comedians Bob Mortimer, Joe Wilkinson and Lucy Beaumont, and “Good Morning Britain” presenter Kate Garraway.

    Other notable names reportedly involved are veteran talk show host Jonathan Ross, England rugby union player Joe Marler, and actors Mark Bonnar, Nick Mohammed, Ruth Codd, Tameka Empson and Celia Imrie. Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga and YouTuber and political satirist Niko Omilana are also said to be part of the ensemble.

    While some of these names—such as Carr, Church and Mortimer—have previously been linked to the project in media speculation, no official confirmations have been issued.

    “The Traitors,” which debuted in the UK in 2022 and has since become a global phenomenon with versions in the U.S., Australia and other countries, is known for its intense psychological gameplay. The premise involves contestants working together to identify the hidden “Traitors” among them before they are eliminated. Contestants who make it to the end without being “murdered” or voted out may split the prize money—unless a Traitor remains undetected.

    The celebrity edition marks the franchise’s first major expansion in the UK and is expected to draw a sizable audience when it airs later this year.

    Fans of the show have taken to social media to share their excitement over the rumored cast, particularly the inclusion of beloved LGBTQ+ icons and longtime allies.

    While viewers await an official cast announcement, speculation continues to swirl. One thing is certain: with a cast this diverse and high-profile, the game promises to be as dramatic and unpredictable as ever.

  • ‘Heartstopper’ Ending With Feature Film, Season 4 Canceled

    ‘Heartstopper’ Ending With Feature Film, Season 4 Canceled

    Heartstopper Series to Conclude With Feature Film

    Fans of the beloved queer Netflix series Heartstopper received bittersweet news today: the show will conclude with a feature-length film instead of a fourth season.

    Joseph Sinclair / Netflix

    Netflix Announces Heartstopper Movie

    The announcement came on April 22, marking the third anniversary of Heartstopper season one’s Netflix premiere. Netflix shared on social media: Heartstopper will return, bigger than ever. A ‘Heartstopper’ movie, our final chapter based on Alice Oseman’s upcoming Volume 6, is coming.”

    See-Saw Films’s Instagram celebrated further: “Today marks three years since we first said hi to Nick and Charlie on our screens. We’re thrilled to announce their love story will conclude as a feature film, going into production this summer.”

    Fans Awaited Heartstopper Season 4 Confirmation

    After season three aired in August 2024, fans were anxious for news of another season. Cast members, including Kit Connor (Nick Nelson), previously expressed uncertainty about the show’s future.

    Heartstopper Film Production Begins Summer 2025

    Fans can now rest assured that Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke)’s love story will receive a proper ending. Creator Alice Oseman continues working on Volume 6 of her graphic novels, which the film will adapt.

    Netflix

    Alice Oseman Confirms Heartstopper Film Script

    On Instagram, Oseman announced: “We are making a feature film to conclude the ‘Heartstopper’ screen adaptation, based on ‘Heartstopper’ Volume 6 and the ‘Nick and Charlie’ novella. I’ve written the script, and we’re already hard at work bringing it to life. I know you’ll have many questions—I promise more details soon! But for now, let’s celebrate! ‘Heartstopper’ is getting its ending!”

    No Official Release Date Yet for Film or Volume 6

    Fans eagerly await news of the release date for both the film and the sixth volume. Throughout its run, Heartstopper tackled significant issues like mental health, anxiety, and eating disorders, keeping fans hopeful yet cautious about the finale.

    Heartstopper seasons one through three are available for streaming now on Netflix.

  • Bella Ramsey Reflects on Publicly Coming Out as Non-Binary: ‘It’s Been a Mixed Bag’

    Bella Ramsey Reflects on Publicly Coming Out as Non-Binary: ‘It’s Been a Mixed Bag’

    Actor Bella Ramsey, widely recognized for their acclaimed role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, is opening up about the emotional complexity of coming out as non-binary and how life has changed since sharing that part of their identity with the world.

    Ramsey, 21, came out publicly in 2023, joining a growing number of public figures who have chosen to speak candidly about their gender identity. In a new interview with The Guardian, published Sunday (April 20), the British actor spoke about the personal and public impact of that announcement, describing it as both liberating and overwhelming. “Part of me looks back and I wish that I didn’t [come out], because I didn’t want it to become a headline and a big thing,” Ramsey said. “And obviously it was going to, and I didn’t really understand that at the time. And I wasn’t really prepared for that.”

    Their honesty about the challenges of being a non-binary person in the spotlight shines a light on the pressure celebrities face when their private identities become public narratives. For Ramsey, the journey to visibility came with both positive affirmation and moments of doubt. “But on the other hand, people have said to me that it’s been very helpful for them seeing some representation,” they added. “So it’s been a mixed bag, but overall, I think it was a good thing, just for me living more freely, without feeling like I’m keeping a secret.”

    While Ramsey is glad their story has helped others, they also expressed a desire for their gender identity to become less of a central focus in media coverage. “Now I’m like, ‘I’ll talk about it, but I don’t want it to be the focus anymore,’” they explained. “I guess I’m just quite chill with it. And I want everyone else to be as chill with it basically.”

    A Voice for Authenticity in Hollywood

    Ramsey first rose to fame as the fierce Lady Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones before taking on the groundbreaking role of Ellie in The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic series that quickly became a critical and commercial success. The show, based on the popular video game of the same name, has been widely praised for its LGBTQ+ representation, with Ramsey’s portrayal of a young lesbian survivor earning acclaim from fans and critics alike.

    Bella Ramsey
    Bella Ramsey. Photo: HBO

    The actor’s openness about their non-binary identity has resonated with audiences, especially young people seeking representation in mainstream media. By using they/them pronouns and embracing their gender fluidity publicly, Ramsey is helping to expand the visibility of non-binary individuals in entertainment — an industry where authentic representation has often lagged behind.

    Navigating Autism in the Spotlight

    In addition to speaking about gender identity, Ramsey has also been candid about being diagnosed with autism while filming the first season of The Last of Us. In an earlier interview with Vogue, they described the diagnosis as “freeing,” explaining that it gave them a deeper understanding of themselves. “It allows me to walk through the world with more grace towards myself for not being able to do the easy, everyday tasks that everyone else seems to be able to do,” they shared.

    This dual revelation — of being both non-binary and autistic — has made Ramsey a rare and powerful voice in Hollywood, representing a broader spectrum of neurodiversity and gender diversity than is typically visible in film and television.

    Their willingness to speak about these aspects of their identity has not only provided comfort and connection to fans but also helped to chip away at longstanding stigmas in the industry and beyond.

    First Love and Growing Up in the Public Eye

    In March 2025, Ramsey also revealed another personal milestone: they are in love for the first time. Though they chose not to name their partner, the actor shared that this new emotional experience has been both grounding and joyful. “It’s scary and beautiful,” they said during the Vogue interview. “Love opens you up in ways you didn’t know were possible.”

    As someone who has grown up in front of the camera, Ramsey’s personal evolution — from child star to global LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity advocate — has unfolded in real time. Their maturity, vulnerability, and self-awareness continue to inspire fans who see themselves reflected in Ramsey’s story.

    The Importance of Representation

    For many LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse fans, Ramsey’s candidness serves as a lifeline. While visibility doesn’t solve systemic inequality, it does offer a sense of belonging and validation — something Ramsey is keenly aware of.

    Even though the attention surrounding their coming out was, at times, overwhelming, Ramsey recognizes the value of being a visible figure for those who often feel unseen. “People have told me it’s helped them feel like they’re not alone, and that matters to me,” Ramsey said.

    Their decision to live openly and authentically — even under the scrutiny of global media — is a testament to the power of representation and resilience. It’s a reminder that celebrities, despite their fame, experience the same vulnerabilities and fears as anyone else when it comes to identity, acceptance, and self-love.

    With season two of The Last of Us currently in production and several upcoming film projects on the horizon — including a deeply personal feature centered around eating disorders — Ramsey shows no signs of slowing down.

    They are carving out space in the industry not just as a talented performer, but as a person whose presence challenges norms and uplifts others.

    As they continue to navigate fame, identity, and adulthood, Ramsey hopes for a future where gender labels are less scrutinized, and people are free to exist as they are — quietly, confidently, and without headlines.

  • From Ohio to Icon: Onya Nurve Talks Queer Joy, Snatch Game, and Shaking Up the ‘Drag Race’ Stage

    From Ohio to Icon: Onya Nurve Talks Queer Joy, Snatch Game, and Shaking Up the ‘Drag Race’ Stage

    There are few moments more electric than the crowning of a new queen on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Season 17’s winner Onya Nurve delivered a moment for the ages.

    Yes, there were smiles. Yes, there were tears. But it was the full-bodied scream—starting from her toes and erupting out of her throat—that told the world exactly how much this victory meant.

    “It was like a weight being lifted off of my shoulders,” Onya said in a recent interview with PRIDE. “I had to carry that secret for so long. When Ru said my name, it was pure release.”

    A Crown for the Community

    Hailing from Ohio, Onya Nurve made Drag Race her playground, showcasing charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent at every turn. Her win wasn’t just personal—it felt like a victory for the broader LGBTQ+ community.

    “Fame isn’t going to change who I am,” Onya said. “I’ve always lived as my true self. I’m still standing on business, baby—just with a little more money now.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by World of Wonder (@worldofwonder)

    In a season that celebrated queer joy in the face of political adversity, Onya stood tall. Her unapologetic presence, humor, and authenticity served as a powerful reminder of the strength of drag and the beauty of being out and proud—especially at a time when LGBTQ+ visibility matters more than ever.

    Snatch Game and the Power of Eddie Murphy

    Every queen dreams of having a standout moment, and for Onya, it was her unforgettable Snatch Game performance.

    “I did Eddie Murphy, who’s a comedian, actor, icon—it was such a challenge,” she said. “But I was ready for it. Snatch Game was the challenge I looked forward to the most.”

    While Murphy hasn’t yet reached out, Onya hopes he sees it. “Eddie, if you’re out there—let’s do a duo, puh-lease!”

    Representing Ohio with Pride

    While Ohio has produced several Drag Race contestants, Onya Nurve is the first to take home the crown—and the timing couldn’t feel more symbolic.

    “I know Ohio swings red or blue, but winning this crown during a red moment in our country? It feels like I’m the kryptonite to a really bad person,” she said, alluding to fellow Ohioan JD Vance. “I’m here to fight the good fight. That’s honestly my job.”

    What’s Next? All Winners?

    When asked whether she’d return for an All Winners season, Onya didn’t hesitate.

    “Mmmhmm, absolutely,” she said with a grin. “That’s the only way I’m doing it again.”

    A Moment That Still Feels Surreal

    Even after the crown, the fame, and the fans, Onya says it hasn’t fully sunk in.

    “There are moments where it feels real—but mostly, it still feels surreal,” she admitted. “Drag Race is harder than it looks. It truly is a race. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  • Alicia Silverstone Returns as Cher in New ‘Clueless’ Sequel Series for Peacock

    Alicia Silverstone Returns as Cher in New ‘Clueless’ Sequel Series for Peacock

    As if! Alicia Silverstone is dusting off her yellow plaid blazer and stepping back into the role that made her a ’90s icon. Peacock is developing a Clueless sequel series, and yes, Silverstone is officially set to reprise her role as the ever-fabulous Cher Horowitz.

    A New Chapter for a Cult Classic

    The upcoming series is being billed as a follow-up to the 1995 teen comedy classic, which was loosely inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma. Plot details remain hush-hush for now, but fans can expect a modern twist on the world of Beverly Hills’ most beloved matchmaker.

    While rumors have swirled about potential storylines, Peacock and its creative team are keeping things tightly under wraps. What we do know: original film director and writer Amy Heckerling is back as an executive producer, bringing her signature flair to the new generation of Clueless.

    Creative Team Behind the Sequel

    Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage — best known for turning high school drama into TV gold with Gossip Girl and Nancy Drew — are set to write the series along with Freaky Friday (and Freakier Friday) writer Jordan Weiss. The trio will also serve as executive producers under Schwartz and Savage’s Fake Empire production banner.

    In addition to Silverstone and Heckerling, the show will be executive produced by Robert Lawrence, who also produced the original film. The project is being developed by CBS Studios and Universal Television for Peacock.

    A History of Reboots — and a Super Bowl Surprise

    This isn’t Peacock’s first attempt at rebooting the Clueless universe. A 2020 pitch for a mystery series centered around Stacey Dash’s Dionne character never made it to air. Still, Silverstone gave fans a nostalgic treat when she returned as Cher in a buzzy Super Bowl ad in 2023.

    30 Years of “Clueless” Charm

    The original Clueless turns 30 this year and will return to theaters for a special Fathom Events summer screening. The film grossed $56.6 million worldwide and became a touchstone for a generation of teen comedies. Alongside Silverstone, the film starred Stacey Dash, Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, Donald Faison, Breckin Meyer, and Wallace Shawn.

    No release date has been set for the Clueless sequel series just yet — but we’ll be totally buggin’ until it arrives.

  • Kori King Goes Viral After ‘Drag Race’ With Wild Cameos and Heated Words for Nikki Blonsky

    Kori King Goes Viral After ‘Drag Race’ With Wild Cameos and Heated Words for Nikki Blonsky

    Kori King may not have snagged any challenge wins or left the judges speechless on the runway during RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17, but don’t be fooled — the queen is thriving.

    The fan-favorite performer has carved out a viral empire online, and in recent months, she’s become a surprising sensation on Cameo, where she’s been neck-and-neck with Hairspray star Nikki Blonsky for the top spot. Yes, that Nikki Blonsky.

    While strutting down the red carpet at the Season 17 finale, King didn’t hold back when asked about her unexpected Cameo competition.

    “F*** Nikki Blonsky, you c***!” King told PRIDE. “I hope Hairspray comes and fires you and takes all of your rights to sing that fing song. I hope you fall off the face of the Earth and never go back to Cameo. I need to get you banned, you fing b****.”

    The NSFW comments may have dropped jaws, but fans of King know this type of unfiltered chaos is exactly what’s made her so popular.

    What truly sets Kori King apart on Cameo is her unpredictable multiverse of characters. In any given video, she might appear as a chaotic take on Shrek, a possessed JoJo Siwa, or a diva-fied version of Michael Jackson. Her most infamous character, Kori Jackson, is a soulful figure she describes as both “sickening” and “a worried soul that needs saving.”

    @cameo

    Not the wig falling 😭 @Kori King👑 #koriking #drag #dragrace #rupaulsdragrace

    ♬ original sound – Cameo

    @jordanballance

    rip kori toot😔👆🏻✅ hope she’s doing okay locked in suzie’s basement @Kori King👑 @Cameo #koritoot #koriking

    ♬ original sound – jordan

    “When he comes through me, he’s saved!” she said, referencing her own character with her signature tongue-in-cheek bravado.

    Whether it’s filming wild fan videos, crafting new characters, or performing alongside her partner Lydia B. Kollins on tour, King has kept herself booked, busy, and blissfully bizarre.

    The queen’s viral success is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of drag fame — where charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent can shine just as brightly online as they do on the main stage.

    RuPaul’s Drag Race airs Fridays on MTV. To catch Kori King’s full interview and red carpet moment, watch the video below.

  • Kaylah Nunez Talks Chosen Family, ‘The Recruit’ Cliffhangers, and Her Shania Twain Dream Role

    Kaylah Nunez Talks Chosen Family, ‘The Recruit’ Cliffhangers, and Her Shania Twain Dream Role

    If you don’t know Kaylah Zander-Nuñez’s name yet, that’s about to change. With her scene-stealing return as Amelia Salazar in The Recruit Season 2, now streaming on Netflix, the Vancouver-born actor is bringing warmth, wit, and a whole lot of bite to the globe-trotting spy series. But as we found out in our recent conversation on the Pride Podcast, it’s not just the action-packed plotlines or star-studded casts that drive Kaylah — it’s collaboration, nuance, and the power of telling stories that actually matter.

    “I think I didn’t realize that that’s not the case for every show,” she says of the rare camaraderie she’s found on The Recruit. “To have so many incredible directors and to have the producers be so respectful, to just have such a fantastic group of people that respects each other so much has been really, really incredible. That’s something I’m going to look for forever.”

    Finding Family in the Chaos

    Netflix

    Season 1 of The Recruit introduced viewers to Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo), a young CIA lawyer who finds himself thrust into a world of espionage, deadly secrets, and political backstabbing. Season 2 ups the ante, sending Owen to Seoul, South Korea, where the threats get even more personal — and potentially more deadly. As his world spins out of control, Amelia Salazar remains one of the few voices of reason he can turn to.

    For Zander-Nuñez, the ensemble chemistry isn’t just hype — it’s the soul of the show. Season one bonded the cast in snowy, shutdown-era Montreal, where pandemic restrictions turned their tight-knit crew into a chosen family. “Everything was closed… so all of us had been transferred to Montreal, and we were all just sitting around being like, well, I guess we just have each other,” she recalls. “We had dinners all the time. Every week we were going out and doing fun stuff in the snow — whatever we could.”

    Meet Amelia Salazar

    Netflix

    Amelia isn’t your average spy drama supporting character — she’s smart, sharp-tongued, and impossible to ignore. “She’s funny, she’s weird, she’s very direct, she’s strong, she’s smart — she’s a total freak,” Kaylah laughs. “And I loved how they wrote Amelia.”

    Despite playing a seasoned CIA attorney, Zander-Nuñez jokes that the job isn’t exactly in her wheelhouse. “I knew almost nothing about being a lawyer or the CIA,” she admits. “I did some research… but there’s an attention to detail and a meticulousness that I don’t have as Kaylah. I think that would make it hard for me to be a lawyer in real life.”

    Redefining Representation

    A proud Latina and vocal advocate for more authentic representation, Zander-Nuñez is thoughtful — and honest — about the kinds of roles she wants to take. “If the character is going to be Latina, there needs to be some nuance to that rather than just being the kind of sex bot or whatever,” she explains. “I’m tired of playing cops… especially when the cops are the hero. It’s just really not my jam personally.”

    She also sees a frustrating gap between what’s shown on screen and what’s happening in the real world. “There’s a disconnect between putting minority performers on screen but over-sanitizing their stories,” she says. “There’s still so much to be done… The hard work of coming to terms with our histories of colonialism, imperialism, and racism — that work, I think, we’re still not seeing enough of.”

    Passion Projects and Indie Dreams

    Netflix

    Thanks to the visibility and stability that comes with working on a major Netflix series, Zander-Nuñez is turning her attention to more personal stories. “Doing those bigger streamer shows has allowed me to then take on these passion projects that maybe don’t pay as well,” she says. “To kind of go back and forth between those two categories has been such a blessing.”

    Currently, she’s working on a fully improvised short film about two estranged sisters reconnecting on one of the islands off the West Coast. “We’re going to shoot it in a really interesting way… we have this great cinematographer who does guerrilla filmmaking style, so he’ll just stay with us as we go through it. I’ve never worked like that before. I’m excited.”

    She’s also writing and directing her first personal film — a short memoir about her time working at Black Dog Video, the last surviving video rental store in Vancouver. “There were rare films that we had there… maybe they’ll never be seen again,” she says. “It’s sad because I think there’s actually a lot of films that got lost in that transition to online streaming.”

    Manifesting Shania Twain and Cher

    When asked about her dream roles, Zander-Nuñez has two icons on her mind. “For some reason, I have it in my mind that someone somewhere is working on a Shania Twain biopic right now, and I would love to be in that movie,” she says with a grin. “Whatever the roles that Cher got — I want all of those. I actually think she’s a great actor.”

    As for her taste in performances? “This kind of muted, mumbly acting that’s really popular right now — I’m not into it,” she says. “I love big, dramatic, expressive performances.”

    What’s Next for The Recruit?

    While Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed a third season yet, Zander-Nuñez and her castmates are hoping it’s just a matter of time. “We’re in the group chat being like, oh my gosh,” she says. “Owen has sort of gone rogue. He’s not being protected by the CIA anymore, so I think the show could go in a really different, interesting direction.”

    Whatever’s next — whether it’s another season of espionage or a totally improvised short film — one thing is clear: Kaylah Zander-Nuñez is doing it all on her terms.

    Listen to the full episode with Kaylah here!

  • ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ Star Ella Rae Wise Opens Up About Sexuality: ‘I Do Want a Girl Experience’

    ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ Star Ella Rae Wise Opens Up About Sexuality: ‘I Do Want a Girl Experience’

    Ella Rae Wise, known for her role on The Only Way Is Essex, has shared with fellow housemates JoJo Siwa and Danny Beard that she believes she might be gay. In a candid conversation, Wise expressed her desire to have a “girl experience,” indicating her openness to exploring her sexuality further.

    A Supportive Conversation with JoJo Siwa

    During their discussion, JoJo Siwa offered supportive words, stating, “They say if you have thought, ‘I wonder if I am gay,’ you are gay.” Siwa, who has been open about her own sexuality, reassured Wise that questioning one’s sexual orientation is a valid and personal journey.

    Wise, who recently ended her relationship with TOWIE co-star Dan Edgar, reflected on her experiences, saying, “I have had that thought quite a bit.” She expressed a desire to explore her feelings and hoped to have an “experience” with a woman in the future.

    Tensions Within the House

    Wise’s revelation adds to the ongoing drama within the Celebrity Big Brother house. Earlier in the season, JoJo Siwa’s partner, Kath Ebbs, faced online harassment from trolls who falsely claimed Siwa was cheating on her with fellow housemate Chris Hughes. Ebbs was compelled to disable comments on her Instagram account due to the influx of negative messages.

    Additionally, actor Mickey Rourke faced backlash for making homophobic comments towards Siwa. Rourke questioned Siwa’s sexuality and made derogatory remarks, prompting emotional support from Hughes. Producers issued a formal warning to Rourke, and he was later removed from the house after further incidents of inappropriate behavior.

    JoJo Siwa’s Exploration of Gender Identity

    In another significant moment, JoJo Siwa opened up about her ongoing exploration of gender identity. She described her feelings as “confusing” and expressed uncertainty about where she stands. Siwa shared that she feels a connection with non-binary individuals but is not ready to label herself as non-binary. Her vulnerability sparked a supportive conversation among housemates, including Danny Beard, who reassured Siwa that she doesn’t need to have all the answers.

    The Impact of Reality TV on Personal Journeys

    The discussions within the Celebrity Big Brother house highlight the challenges individuals face when navigating their sexual orientation and gender identity in the public eye. Reality television provides a platform for personal stories but also subjects participants to intense scrutiny. The support among housemates, such as the encouragement Wise received from Siwa and Beard, underscores the importance of creating inclusive and understanding environments.

    As the season progresses, viewers can anticipate more personal revelations and interactions that delve into the complexities of identity and relationships. The ongoing conversations among the housemates serve as a reminder of the diverse experiences individuals have in understanding and expressing their true selves.