Trans drama What It Feels Like for a Girl, the BBC’s new series, premiered at SXSW on June 2, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ storytelling. Based on Paris Lees’ memoir, the show follows Byron—portrayed by Ellis Howard—in a semi-autobiographical journey of discovering queerness and trans identity amid Noughties Nottingham.
As Byron navigates life, they encounter The Fallen Divas: Lady Die (Laquarn Lewis), Sticky Nikki (Alex Thomas-Smith), Dirty Damian (Adam Ali), and Sasha (Hannah Jones), along with drug-dealer Liam (Jake Dunn). Each character plays a pivotal role in Byron’s path of self-discovery, encapsulating both the challenges and triumphs of queer existence.
This eight-part series has been described as “visceral, essential viewing” by PinkNews’ senior entertainment reporter Marcus Wratten. It also features Calam Lynch as Max, Michael Socha as Byron’s father Steve, and Laura Haddock as mother Lisa. Now that the full series is available for streaming on iPlayer, let’s take a closer look at the cast and their compelling characters.
Meet Byron – Played by Ellis Howard
Byron needs to escape. (BBC)“Byron is at school, without much of a support system, bouncing between their mum’s, dad’s, and Mammar Joe’s homes, with a desperate internal desire to escape,” shares Ellis Howard. “It’s the story of someone who has grown up in a small town with people who aren’t like them, dreaming of a life bigger and bolder.”
Lady Die – Laquarn Lewis
“Lady Die is eye-catching, fashionable, and super stylish,” says Lewis. “She’s over-caring, loving, fun, wild, and crazy. I relate to her loving nature; she’s someone everyone would want as a friend, and that’s what I love about her.”
Sasha – Hannah Jones
“Sasha is a very proud Scouse and part of The Fallen Divas,” explains Hannah Jones. “She can be volatile and aggressive, but underneath, she is a real sweetheart who just wants friendship, family, and love.”
Sticky Nikki – Alex Thomas-Smith
“Sticky Nikki is a passionate and headstrong woman who deeply values her friends and life,” says Thomas-Smith. “She’s a bit older than the others, which gives her the perspective to understand their outrageous behavior.”
“Her role is about supporting the others and encouraging them to have fun while imparting lessons she’s learned along the way.”
Dirty Damian – Adam Ali
“Dirty Damian is the party instigator and stands by The Fallen Divas,” says Ali. “The girls are protective of each other, and I feel Damian and Sticky Nikki are the more sensible ones.”
Liam – Jake Dunn
“Liam’s a complicated, intense character,” shares Dunn. “While we share some similarities, he’s completely different from me. He’s a gangster involved in some dark stuff.”
Steve – Michael Socha
“Steve is Byron’s father, a classic strong, working-class man who is feared,” explains Socha. “He struggles to accept Byron’s femininity and is determined to toughen them up, which can come across as aggressive and violent.”
Lisa – Laura Haddock
“Lisa is Byron’s mother, and their relationship is strained as Byron secretly struggles with their sexuality and gender identity,” says Haddock. “There’s a lot of tension between them, and she is doing everything she can to reconnect.”
All episodes of What It Feels Like for a Girl are now streaming on iPlayer. The first two episodes will air on BBC Three and BBC One on June 3 at 9 PM and 10:40 PM, respectively.
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