The BBC series was based on Paris Lees’ incredible life
BY BELLA FRANCIS, IMAGE BY BBC
Premiering on the 3 June, BBC Three’s What It Feels Like For A Girl has taken the streaming service by storm. Adapted from Paris Lees’ 2021 memoir, the nostalgic and moving drama series follows a young queer person named Byron (based on Paris and portrayed by the talented Ellis Howard) as they navigate queerness, trans identity, family, and friendship in early 2000s Nottingham.
The show was a compelling and moving watch, and I was moved to tears several times. We are first introduced to Byron as an unsure, socially closeted teen whose only real joys include spending time with their “Mommar” Joe and best friend. Mommar, portrayed by the brilliant Hannah Walters, provides an essential support system for Byron as they go through a self-discovery journey.
Byron first delves into the queer space by becoming a rent boy. While at work, they meet a fellow rent boy called Max (portrayed by Calam Lynch – who you may recognise from Bridgerton) who Byron quickly gets into a relationship with after dropping the L-bomb the morning after meeting. The pair are broken up by Byron’s mother, who threatens Max with police action. Family problems are a consistent theme throughout Byron’s life, something that resonates with many other queer folk.
Due to the childhood absence from their mother, Byron starts the series living with his dad Steve (played by Michael Socha). Described as the “hardest man” in town, Steve is a stereotypical Northern father who refuses to accept his child’s queerness. This is largely due to the social backlash he faces, partially from other men in the town who call Byron gay.
Many queer shows nowadays are criticised for being too pessimistic, with series like Heartstopper praised for bringing more positive and refreshing representation. However, I feel a show like this is so important to have on our screens because it showcases the struggles that the previous generation of queer folk faced, whilst still portraying an optimistic ending that hints at the success that the real Paris went on to find.
Whilst the show was deep, it had endless camp and funny moments. From the characters to the dialogue to the costume choices, I was deeply entertained throughout. The authentic inclusion of noughties culture was also an impressive feat. The music was all straight out of a Blackberry ringtone, and pop culture of the 2000s was also heavily incorporated.
Byron’s daydreaming and fantasizing about a better life is also a frequent motif right from the start of the series. These moments keep the show pacy and let us into their imagination, but also work as a great contrast to the reality of their life.
The most moving and rewarding part of the whole series was watching Byron’s personal growth. This growth would not have been possible without the brilliant and dynamic acting skills of Ellis Howard who certainly stole the show.
Overall, this show was one of my favourite things I’ve watched this year. Gritty but camp. Thoughtful yet inspiring. Messy but pacy. It’s everything you want in a queer series set in the noughties, although I will say to grab a box of tissues first as you will need them!
You can watch What It Feels Like For A Girl now on BBC iPlayer.
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