Olly Alexander: ‘The worst thing anyone's said to me? You have a face like a crumpled napkin'
Born in North Yorkshire, Olly Alexander, 34, joined Years & Years as lead vocalist in 2010. Their hit singles included King and Shine, and in 2023 Alexander won the Brit Billion award for 6.5bn streams. He was Bafta-nominated for his role in the TV miniseries It's a Sin, and recently appeared on stage in White Rabbit Red Rabbit. His new album is Polari and he heads out on a European tour later this month. He lives in London.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
Jill Nalder. Lydia West played her character in It's a Sin. She was on the wards with nurses caring for patients who were dying [of Aids] when lots of people wouldn't go near them.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I can be an overthinker and a vicious self-critic.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Cruelty.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
At the Mighty Hoopla festival, Kimberley and Nicola from Girls Aloud joined me on stage for a Girls Aloud song. I completely forgot the words.
What is your most treasured possession?
My diaries.
Describe yourself in three words
Kate Bush fan.
What would your superpower be?
Talking to animals.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
A CGI cat.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?I have a habit of talking out of one side of my mouth, and when I see myself do it I want to scream.What is your most unappealing habit?
I'm very noisy. I am constantly talking out loud, singing, making random noises. I feel sorry for my neighbours.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Ian McKellen.
Which book are you ashamed not to have read?
The Odyssey, just because I keep referencing it.
What is the worst thing anyone's said to you?
It's the stuff about my appearance that sticks. I read I had a face like a crumpled napkin and teeth that could till a field.
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
When I was anonymous, I very much wanted to be famous. Now I have fame, I fantasise about slipping into a new, anonymous identity. But for the most part, I'm happy with my choice.
Sign up to Inside Saturday
The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend.
after newsletter promotion
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Reruns of Four in a Bed or A Place in the Sun.
What does love feel like?
Like something or someone is part of your DNA, the fabric of who you are.
What was the best kiss of your life?
The first time I kissed my partner at Metropolis in Hackney. It was love at first kiss. That was almost 10 years ago.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Early in my career I got really close to being one of the kids in the Narnia movie. I remember being crushed.
How often do you have sex?
As often as possible.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Sunshine.
Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?Money.
Tell us a joke
People are always asking me what it's like being a gay artist, and I can never give them a straight answer.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Shameless star made OBE says Prince of Wales joked about her playing Elizabeth I
Shameless star made OBE says Prince of Wales joked about her playing Elizabeth I Anne-Marie Duff said she and the Prince of Wales laughed about her previous role Anne-Marie Duff Shameless star Anne-Marie Duff said she and the Prince of Wales laughed about her previous role playing Elizabeth I as she was formally made an OBE. Ms Duff, 54, played Fiona Gallagher in Channel 4's Shameless TV show and won a best supporting actress Bafta for her role as Grace Williams in Apple TV's series Bad Sisters. The actor also performed as Elizabeth I in the 2005 to 2006 BBC dramatisation of the monarch's life, titled The Virgin Queen. Discussing that role led William to joke "this should all be old hat for you, or something" during Wednesday's ceremony at Windsor Castle, Ms Duff said. The actor spoke to the PA news agency inside the Berkshire royal residence after being formally made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama. Asked if the event had been as expected having played Elizabeth I, she said: "(Windsor Castle) is like a treasure chest, isn't it? Because every piece of every room is swollen with history and art and value, so it's very specific. Article continues below "To be in this environment where people do live and do sit down and have their dinner and all of those things – you know, when you're on location, you don't really have that feeling of something like that, but this is someone's home, which is just extraordinary to me." The Virgin Queen was not filmed at royal residences for security reasons, she said. Ms Duff lives in north London and has a son with her former husband and Shameless co-star James McAvoy. She said she and the Prince of Wales discussed balancing work and parenting and "how we're all kind of the same". Her next guaranteed job is not until 2026 and she said she cannot talk about other projects that may pop up before then. "There's so much nonsense now, you can't even read scripts now without NDAs (non-disclosure agreements)", she said. "The streamers are like old Hollywood studios, it's like that, it's so bonkers, so you don't get to sort of enjoy the prelude to things with people – you can't say, oh my god, yeah, I'm going to be doing (this). You have to keep everything on the down-low." She laughed as she said: "I would love to tell you, Your Royal Highness, but ... " "There are snipers everywhere, that's what it feels like, seriously, the walls have ears", she added. Ms Duff said a play would be the "juiciest" next project for her because she prefers the "communion with people" in theatre, as well as the immediacy and "being in charge of the chronology". She said she discussed her preference for the stage with William. She told PA: "If a light bulb blows, we still go on. It's all of that and the jeopardy of it – when things go wrong, you become so resourceful and having each other's back as a company." Article continues below Asked how she felt after being formally made an OBE, Ms Duff said: "Fabulous, really lucky. You never imagine that – I think especially for people who work in the arts – you never really have a sense of what you do as having a great deal of importance or being a contribution to anything. "You're just so busy working away. It feels extraordinary to be recognised."
Edinburgh Live
2 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Scottish star's life after quitting acting 30 years on from debut
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Daniela Nardini, who became a household name as lawyer Anna Forbes in the 1996 BBC2 hit series This Life, is now barely recognisable from her days on screen. The actress, who also graced episodes of the Scottish crime drama Taggart, was close to quitting acting before securing her role in the acclaimed sitcom. This Life, which spanned 33 episodes and 11 years, followed a group of aspiring law graduates navigating their careers at a London law firm. The show enjoyed two successful series and a sequel TV movie in 2007 titled This Life +10. Daniela's portrayal of Anna won her a BAFTA at the age of 57, but she later chose to leave the limelight and now runs her own cognitive behavioural therapy practice in Glasgow. Her second BAFTA came in 2009 for her performance in the BBC Four drama New Town. Daniela's career also included roles in Vera, Waterloo Road, and The Fades, until she stepped back from acting in 2019, reports the Express. Pursuing a new direction, Daniela trained as a mental health professional, offering support to individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, behavioural issues, and those affected by cancer and addiction. Three decades after her breakout role, Daniela has transformed remarkably, embracing a fresh chapter in her life. In a Psychology Today profile, she reflects on her extensive acting career, stating: "I have worked as an actress for over 35 years. (Image: BBC) "This has been an invaluable education for me to study what it is to be human and how we can all suffer at times and feel misunderstood and lonely. "I myself have struggled at times. My practice involves helping you gain insight, clarity and believe it or not humour at times. I don't shock easily so I won't judge." Speaking with the Daily Mail in 2020, she shared her personal tribulations saying: " went through a very dark period. Sometimes I wonder if it was all the emotional stuff I was going through that caused my cancer.'" She added: "A couple of years down the road, I now feel as if I've emerged stronger and a better person, really. Anna would be proud."
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
Why does King Charles have two birthdays?
Why does King Charles have two birthdays? This weekend, we will see the Trooping the Colour which takes place every year in June to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign, although King Charles' actual birthday is in November. King Charles III arriving at last year's Trooping the Colour ceremony (Image: PA ) King Charles is gearing up to celebrate his official birthday this Saturday, June 14, with the annual Trooping the Colour, a grand event that draws in the Royal family and thousands of Royal enthusiasts. Despite his actual birthday falling in November, the Trooping the Colour is traditionally held every June. This dual birthday celebration isn't unique to King Charles, as Queen Elizabeth II and many former monarchs also marked their official birthdays with the Trooping the Colour, separate from their actual birth dates. It's a ceremonial event performed every year in the Horse Guards Parade in London by regiments of Household Division. But why does the monarch have two birthdays and why isn't the Trooping the Colour aligned with the King's real birthday? For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The explanation lies in two quintessentially British factors: tradition and weather. The practice of the King having two birthdays is rooted in a centuries-old tradition established by successive monarchs. Article continues below The inaugural Trooping the Colour is thought to have taken place during the reign of King Charles II, who ruled from 1660 to 1685. However, it wasn't until 1748 that the parade was designated as the official birthday celebration of the Sovereign, becoming an annual fixture after George III ascended to the throne in 1760. However, it was King Edward VII, reigning from 1901 to 1910 and born in November, who initiated the tradition of observing Trooping the Colour in June. For those monarchs whose birthdays occur at various times throughout the year, they celebrate their ceremonial birthday in June, whilst marking their actual birthdays on their birth dates. Despite his actual birthday being November 14 when he will turn 77, the King's official birthday is commemorated in June due to a decision made over a century ago, largely driven by the quintessentially British desire for pleasant weather. When planning his birthday festivities, King Edward VII determined that much like King Charles III, his birth month of November wasn't the most suitable time for a large outdoor gathering. Consequently, he shifted Trooping the Colour to May or June, when there was less likelihood of cold, drizzly weather spoiling the day. The subsequent monarch, George V, conveniently had an actual birthday in June. However, Queen Elizabeth II's father, George VI, whose birthday was in December, revived the tradition of an official summer birthday, which Elizabeth II has maintained. (Image: Getty Images ) There's a chance that upon his ascension to the throne, Prince William might only celebrate one birthday, given that his actual birth date already falls in June (specifically, on the 21st). In a similar vein, Prince George, whose birthday is also during the summer months (July 22), may choose to stick with just one birthday celebration once he assumes the role of King. This could potentially see the longstanding tradition of monarchs having two birthdays fade away for several decades. Article continues below
