A Gay Old Time
A Gay Old Time is a podcast that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community by sharing personal stories of queer individuals. Host Nigel May interviews a diverse range of guests, from different ages and backgrounds, who have navigated their own paths to live authentically. Each episode features one person, one life, and one conversation, aiming to inspire and entertain listeners. The podcast is produced by Pineapple Audio Production and is available on Acast.
Episodes
Guy Branum "I thought gayness was bad and I didn't want to be bad"
Nigel's guest today is Guy Branum. Guy is an American award winning actor, comedian, writer and author. His online video series What The Old Gays Remember where he analyses iconic moments in pop and queer-coded culture has racked up million of views. He has written for huge stars like Joan Rivers, written and produced the brilliant Hacks and starred in the RuPaul movie Stop That Train. Guy has alw
Stephen K Amos "Nothing beats authenticity"
Nigel's guest today is Stephen K Amos. Comedian Stephen has been part of the comedy circuit for many years and has appeared on countless TV shows. He is a regular at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and it was during his 2006 Fringe performance of his show All Of Me that he decided to publicly acknowledge his own homosexuality to his audience for the first time. Stephen grew up at a time and in a pla
Luke Prokop "I was tired of lying about everything "
Nigel's guest today is Luke Prokop. Luke is a professional ice hockey star and the subject of the riveting new documentary The Hockey Player. Luke has always been destined to shine in the hyper masculine and hyper brutal world of ice hockey as it has been his passion since he was a child. But in 2021 Luke became the first player under contract with an NHL team to come out as gay. It was a tough de
Danny Beard "I came out of the womb with a feather boa"
Nigel's guest today is Danny Beard. Danny is one of the UK’s most seasoned drag stars having moved into the spotlight of fame as winner of Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Danny has proved to be a total all-rounder in the fields of entertainment ever since wowing in concerts with their voice, on stage with their acting and on television with their presenting. They do it all, and they do it all i
Craig Robert Young "There was a tonne of self-loathing going on"
Nigel's guest today is Craig Robert Young. Craig is an actor based in Los Angeles who has made countless appearance on stage and screen, including his latest venture Wannabe: All Washed Up about a former 90’s teen pop star. Strangely enough, that is what Craig used to be as a member of the neon-bright pop group Deuce whose hits included Call It Love, I Need You and the anthemic On The Bible. Craig
Matt Cain "A boy who played with the girls was a freak of nature"
Nigel's guest today is Matt Cain. Matt is a shining light in the LGBTQ+ world and has been for many years. His impressive CV has included being Channel 4 News’ first ever Culture Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the UK’s biggest selling magazine for gay men, Attitude. He is an ambassador for many queer charities and was awarded an MBE for services to LGBTQ+ culture in 2025. As an author he has penned
Jujubee "I have enough and I am enough"
Nigel's guest today is Jujubee. Drag legend Jujubee rose to fame as a contestant on Season 2 of Drag Race USA and since then has featured on further All Star seasons and also on …Vs The World. She is one of the most loved queens in the world and has successfully spread her wings into the worlds of music, with her latest EP Mess For You, and into movies with her starring role in Stop That Train. Sh
Gareth Thomas "For the first time in my life I was on a rugby field being honest"
Nigel's guest today is Gareth Thomas. Gareth made history as the first active professional rugby player to come out as gay. Nicknamed “Alfie” Gareth excelled in the sport and captained his home country, Wales, on countless occasions. Gareth came out in 2009 and the following year was voted the most influential gay person in the UK. In 2019 he revealed online that he is HIV+ and has campaigned tire
Sarah Savage "It's really important we remember we're stronger as a community"
Nigel's guest today is Sarah Savage. Sarah is co-founder of Trans Pride Brighton, the UK’s first Trans Pride event which she launched in 2013. Since then she has been instrumental in helping other Trans Prides take shape and shine as they deserve. She is an inspirational speaker for her community and also the author of many books for both children and adults featuring trans stories. She was also o
Heidi N Closet "Coming out. That's the gag. I never really did"
Nigel's guest today is Heidi N Closet. Drag star Heidi came to fame on the twelfth season of Rupaul’s Drag Race where she became an instant fam favourite and was voted Miss Congeniality. She returned to the franchise on All Stars 8 but withdrew from the show for the sake of her mental health and wellbeing. She is now a much in demand queen appearing on many TV shows and stages around the world, bu
Tom Rasmussen "I became a bit hidden...but I couldn't hide my gayness"
Nigel's guest today is singer Tom Rasmussen. Tom is non-binary and is known for their incredible singing voice, their former drag life as Crystal Rasmussen and for their want to be authentic in everything they do. Their two albums Body Building and Live Wire have earnt them a huge fanbase. With new music on the horizon and a tour to celebrate the queer joy of the legendary Bronski Beat album The A
Cheryl The Queen "I just had to stand there, stand proud and be me"
Nigel's guest today is Cheryl The Queen. Cheryl is a drag sensation who since her appearance on the debut season of Drag Race UK has become one of the most loved queens out there. She is the Essex diva that everyone adores. Loud, proud and joyous, Cheryl is the dictionary definition of fun. Cheryl is a self-confessed people pleaser but her journey to where she is today has not always been a happy
Carlos Gu "I know how much I connect with my own heart"
Nigel's guest today is Carlos Gu. Strictly champion Carlos has dazzled professionally on the dancefloor for many years and has been part of the iconic Strictly Come Dancing family since 2022. He became the first openly gay and the first Asian dancer to win the show. Originally from China where he grew up hiding his sexuality, he moved to the UK to be free, authentic and to express his real self in
Owain Wyn Evans "If you can do something and make a difference just by being you that's amazing"
Nigel's guest today is Owain Wyn Evans. As a TV personality, Owain has been a regular on UK shows like The One Show, Homes Under The Hammer and BBC Breakfast. He also hosts the early breakfast show on Radio 2. Owain is famous as the most beautifully flamboyant weather host on British TV and his legendary drag-inspired weather forecast to celebrate International Drag Day is television gold. He grew
Ana Matronic "I was mad at the world for not being fully accepting of everybody's authenticity"
Nigel's guest today is Ana Matronic. Ana is a beautiful cocktail of talent – a DJ, performer, TV and podcast host, one of the founding members of the Scissor Sisters and a historian for The Ice Palace, the longest continually running LGBTQIA+ nightclub in the world. Whether it’s dance, disco, divas or days gone by, Ana knows all. Her podcast Good Time Sallies is a celebration of badass babes and q
David Archuleta "I didn't know that I could feel this love for myself"
Nigel's guest today is David Archuleta. Singer David rose to national fame in 2008 as the runner-up on American Idol when he was just seventeen, captivating millions with his angelic voice. Behind the scenes, however, he was struggling with a truth he feared would destroy everything: he was attracted to men. David was also a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints. The two
Peter Tatchell "I hope I'm still shaking a protest placard in my nineties"
Nigel's guest today is Peter Tatchell. Peter is quite simply one of the most important figures in the queer community. He has been campaigning for human rights, democracy, LGBT+ freedom and global justice since 1967. Fearless in his protests, Peter has been responsible for being part of some of the most pivotal and beneficial changes the queer community has seen in recent times. Introducing Prides
Sapphira Cristál "I've pretty much been pansexual since I was four years old"
Nigel's guest today is Sapphira Cristál. Sapphira is a drag sensation who the world fell in love with when she was runner-up and Miss Congeniality on Season 16 of Rupaul’s Drag Race US. She is also a classically trained opera singer, a multi-award-winning pageant queen and a stand up comedy star too with her fantastic show One Slue Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. She identifies as pansexual, polyamorous a
Daniel Brocklebank "As a gay man in the public eye I've had some beautiful moments"
Nigel's guest today is Daniel Brocklebank. Daniel is an actor of stage and screen who is known to millions through his work on TV shows like Emmerdale and Coronation Street. He recently left the Street and his role of Billy Mayhew having portrayed him since 2014. His cinematic work has included high profile smashes like Shakespeare In Love and The Hole and his extensive theatre work covers everyth
Nikk Mager "I let my demons get in the way"
Nigel's guest today is Nikk Mager. Nikk is a singer and songwriter who is known to many these days as one quarter of The Fizz, the Eurovision-winning band formerly known as Bucks Fizz. He is also known as a former member of boyband Phixx, who rose from the ashes of the TV show Popstars: The Rivals in the early noughties. While the band was enjoying success with songs like Hold On Me, Love Revoluti
Charlie Martin "If I could have flicked a switch and woken up the next day a different gender..."
Nigel's guest today is Charlie Martin. Charlie is a British professional racing driver and transgender rights activist. She is a trailblazer in the world of motorsport. She uses her platform to educate about inclusion in sport and raise awareness about trans issues. Her own personal journey has been a difficult one and even though she knew she was trans at an early age it wasn’t until she reached
Nicky Doll "What I was called as an insult is now a superpower"
Nigel's guest today is drag sensation Nicky Doll. Nicky is a French drag artiste, television star and musician. Since appearing on Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race Nicky has beautifully carved out a career of many ground-breaking successes. She expertly hosts Drag Race France, has her own queer travel show ready to go, has performed at the Paris Olympics and her latest album, Apollo Artemis is a da
Matt Terry "The reason why I'm so good today is because I just get to be me"
Nigel's guest today is Matt Terry. Matt is a singer, songwriter and performer who won the TV talent show The X Factor in 2016. His singing career after the show resulted in a top three single, a top 30 album and working with stars like Enrique Iglesias and Sean Paul but his time in the spotlight was short-lived and peppered with fear that his hidden sexuality would be revealed to the world. Matt h
Amanda Barrie "What I have now is all that I ever wanted"
Nigel's guest today is Amanda Barrie. English actress Amanda is simply an icon of the entertainment world. She has worked with virtually every great name in UK showbusiness whether it be on stage or screen. She is most famous as Cleopatra in Carry On Cleo, Alma in Coronation Street and Bev in Bad Girls. Amanda is now 90 and happily married to the woman of her dreams, but her journey to find her tr
Ranj Singh "Thriving for me was doing everything that people didn't tell me"
Nigel's guest today is Ranj Singh, or Dr Ranj as he is known to his many fans and followers. Ranj is a doctor, TV presenter, columnist and author who uses his voice to educate and inspire. Ranj is queer and the journey he has taken to become the man we see today has included sadness, religion, family pressure and heartache. But Ranj has found happiness and by sharing his wealth of kindness and lov
Jodie Harsh "I knew that I wanted to live in the shadows of the night"
Nigel's guest today is Jodie Harsh. Jodie is an international DJ, drag sensation, promoter, music producer and recording star with tracks like My House, Good Time and Never Knew (L.O.V.E.). She is now an author too. Her book You Had To Be There is a glorious memoir of her odyssey through the queer clubland of noughties London, one night at a time. Having arrived in London at the age of fifteen, Jo
Kate Pierson "I always felt like I was going way against the grain "
Nigel's guest today is Kate Pierson. Kate is one of the founding members of the legendary group The B-52s, who have entertained the world for decades with songs like Planet Claire, Wig, Roam, Love Shack and the ground-breaking Rock Lobster. The band became one of the biggest breakthrough successes from the US underground music scene in the late 1970s bringing their unique style of quirky, fun, cam
David Hoyle "Love one another because love is all"
Nigel's guest today is David Hoyle. David is a hugely talented performance artist, cabaret star, singer, actor, comedian and film director who has been performing onstage and entertaining adoring audiences for decades. In short he is something of a legend. Back in the early 90s he was The Divine David – an ‘anti drag queen’ – that saw his star shine bright and gain exposure in the mainstream. But
Daniel Lustig-Webb "As soon as I came out, I flew out"
Nigel's guest today is Daniel Lustig-Webb. Daniel is best known for his five years on TV’s Gogglebox alongside his then husband, Stephen. Since leaving the show Daniel has used his voice to talk about issues he truly cares about, such as deafness, which he has lived with since a child, anti-bullying and LGBTQ+ rights. Working as a professional hairdresser and L’Oreal colour specialist, newly-divor
Jake Graf "I felt like a little boy trapped in a little girl's body"
Nigel's guest today is Jake Graf. Jake is an actor, screenwriter, director and transgender rights activist. Jake knew he was born in the wrong body at an early age, telling his family that he knew he was destined to change. His journey is one that saw him live life a lesbian while hiding what he really knew deep down. It also saw him turn to addiction. But he turned his life around. These days the
Samantha Fox "It was such a gay old wedding, what can I say"
Nigel's guest today is Samantha Fox. Samantha has been a celebrity since she first graced the pages of The Sun newspaper back in 1983 as a Page 3 girl. Her success as a glamour model saw her become one of the most photographed and talked about women in the world and led onto a hugely successful pop music career with hits like Touch Me, Do Ya Do Ya (Wanna Please Me), Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now and
Frankie Grande "Being gay is my superpower"
Nigel's guest today is Frankie Grande. Frankie is an unapologetically queer and hugely talented performer who has recently released his debut album Hotel Rock Bottom. It’s an album that tells a tale of his struggles with addiction to alcohol and drugs, his rock bottom moment, and how he has bounced back to a place where he is happier, queerer and more positive about life than ever before. On stage
Anthony Kavanagh "I have worried about the future all my life"
Nigel's guest today is Anthony Kavanagh, better known as pop star Kavana. Kavana was one of the most fresh faced, wholesome teen pop stars in the late 90s with songs like I Can Make You Feel Good and MFEO hitting the top 10 and making him hugely successful worldwide and the 'butter-wouldn’t-melt' cover star of every pop magazine out there. But Anthony knew he was gay, a fact he hid from virtually
Miriam Margolyes "Everybody needs a little teaspoon of love...and sometimes a lot"
Nigel's guest today is Miriam Margolyes. Miriam is one of the most famous celebrities out there, having worked as an actress, performer, comedian, and voiceover artist for decades. A proud gay woman, Miriam has entertained millions with her talent and artistry, whether it be on our TV and cinema screens, on the theatre stage, at Fringe performances around the globe or from between the pages of her
John Barrowman "My world shattered and everything changed for me"
Nigel's guest today is John Barrowman. John is one of the most famous faces of stage and screen, having worked tirelessly for decades on stage in theatre productions like Miss Saigon, Sunset Boulevard, The Phantom Of The Opera and Hair and on TV shows like Dancing On Ice, Live & Kicking, This Morning and Desperate Housewives. He played one of the most iconic Dr Who characters ever, Captain Jac
Michael Perry "I threw porn out of the window so I didn't want to be gay"
Nigel's guest today is celebrity gardener, podcast host, author, TV star and green-fingered guru Michael Perry, also known as Mr Plant Geek. Michael has appeared on many TV shows and at events worldwide talking about his love of seeds, plants, shrubs, bushes and all things garden. He has made it a subject cooler and sexier than ever before. Michael is an open-minded gay man finally comfortable in
Noel Sullivan "I have so much respect for people who know who they are"
Nigel's guest today is performer Noel Sullivan. Noel is best known for being one fifth of the early noughties group Hear’Say who formed on the TV show Popstars and saw their first single Pure & Simple become the fastest selling number one single in the UK charts at the time. But despite the band’s albeit short-lived success Noel’s time as part of Hear’Say was not always a happy one as he was t
Ginger Minj "I do feel like I'm more comfortable with me than I've ever been before"
Nigel's guest today is drag performer and recording artist Ginger Minj, one of the most loved and recognisable drag artistes around. Ginger is a Drag Race classic, having competed in many different seasons including the latest season of All Stars. She is a total one of a kind, but admits to being very much a work in progress. But one thing she knows for certain is that she is now happier than she
Tom Aspaul "I should've had a slutty phase and I never did"
Nigel's guest today is pop star Tom Aspaul. Tom is one of the most heralded independent singer songwriters on the music scene right now. As a songwriter he has written for stars like Kylie Minogue, Celeste and Becky Hill. And as a performer his success continues to grow with hit albums like Black Country Disco, Life In Plastic and the brilliant Cabin Fever gaining him excellent reviews. Tom is a g
Courtney Act "Dad said that he lived with six drag queens back in the 70s"
Nigel's guest today is drag sensation Courtney Act. Courtney is one of the most recognisable faces in the drag universe having stepped into the worldwide spotlight of fame after becoming runner up on Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her star has shone bright ever since with sparkling appearances on Celebrity Big Brother – which she won – and as part of a ground-breaking same sex couple on Dancing W
Kevin McHale "I lost my virginity to a boy and a girl within six months"
Nigel's guest today is actor and singer Kevin McHale. Kevin is known to the world for his role as Artie Abrams in the worldwide smash TV show Glee, for which he was nominated for countless awards. The programme made him a global star leading onto further successes on stage, TV and in the podcasting world. He has continued to shine on our televisions and on stage in many, often queer-flavoured, pro
Billy Porter "It's easy to fall into the shame, it's easy to feel alone"
Nigel's guest today is actor, singer and performer, the fashion-fabulous Billy Porter. Many will possibly know Billy best for his role in the iconic TV drama Pose. Or maybe his work on the theatre stage in shows like Kinky Boots and Cabaret. Or maybe from dancing to one of his glorious bops. Or possibly from Billy's jaw-dropping, gender-blurring inspirational fashion looks at awards ceremonies and
Jerry Mitchell "I've found myself not really interested in telling heterosexual stories"
Nigel's guest for this episode is theatre director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell. Jerry is a powerhouse of the theatre world having delighted audiences around the globe with his work on productions like Kinky Boots, La Cage Aux Folles, Legally Blonde, The Devil Wears Prada and many more. He created and directed the saucily incredible and totally inspirational Broadway Bares, now into its fourth
Joe McElderry "Somebody hacked me and did a full coming out statement"
Nigel's guest today is Joe McElderry, one of the most recognisable faces in the world of showbusiness. Joe became famous when he won The X Factor in 2009 and his debut single The Climb topped the charts. Joe is a gay man and came out to the world shortly after his win. He was immediately thrust into the spotlight regarding his sexuality - a lot for someone of his age at the time to deal with. But
Fizz Sinclair "I'm a trans woman but for so long I felt really scared to claim that word"
Nigel's guest today is Fizz Sinclair. Fizz is an actor, comedian, writer, model and content creator with a massive social media following. Fizz grew up in Cheshire as a gay man but knew that her journey wasn’t quite complete. Now living as a trans woman she is determined to break down doors of prejudice and misunderstanding about her gender and also trailblaze in her own career. Hearing her voice
Nathaniel J Hall "My queerness is my superpower"
Nigel's guest today is Nathaniel J Hall - theatre-maker, film-maker, writer, performer, director, producer and HIV activist. Nathaniel’s life took a hideous and unexpected turn when he contracted HIV from his first sexual partner, aged 16. He faced a world of stigma and battled with societal shame. His diagnosis and how he dealt with it is a journey that has taken him through crushing lows and exp
Tom Hugo "I found a word called hetero-flexible"
Nigel's guest today is Tom Hugo. Tom is a singer, songwriter and musician from Norway who has found fame as a solo artist but also as one third of Eurovision stars KEiiNO who nearly won the fabulous song contest back in 2019 with the anthemic Spirit In The Sky. With a new album ready to go and packed performances across Europe the band are still producing top quality pop music many years on and ha
Limahl "The realisation came with an immense amount of fear. Am I one of those?"
Nigel's guest today is Limahl, lead singer of 80s pop icons Kajagoogoo and one of the most recognisable faces - and hairdos - of the 1980s. Limahl blasted into the spotlight of fame with the band’s first hit single, the chart-topping Too Shy and subsequent singles and a hit album White Feathers followed. But Limahl was suddenly and surprisingly fired from the band leaving him to go solo – which he
Stephen Bailey "I kissed a girl and I didn't like it. Sorry Katy Perry"
Nigel's guest today is comedian, actor and TV presenter Stephen Bailey. Over the last few years Stephen has been a regular on our TV screens, hosting shows like Celebs On The Farm and Takeshi’s Castle as well as featuring on everything from Love Island: Aftersun and House Of Games to Celebrity Mastermind. Born in Denton, Manchester, Stephen always dreamt of being famous, but wasn’t sure that his m
Matthew Pateman "I came out at 19 and then at 21 I was literally shoved back in the closet"
Nigel's guest is singer Matthew Pateman, formally a member of 90s boy band Bad Boys Inc whose hits included More To This World, Don't Talk About Love and Walking On Air. These days Matthew is a member of Let Loose and also The Fizz (formerly known as Bucks Fizz) and has found a place where he is happy in the spotlight. But his journey has been one that includes having to hide his sexuality against
Lance Bass "I don't know one queer person that has come out that has not been happy about that decision"
Nigel's guest today is Lance Bass. Lance found fame as one fifth of the iconic boy band NSYNC selling 70 million records worldwide and being the poster boy for a generation of adoring female fans. But Lance knew he was gay and carried the shame of hiding his sexuality from the outside world for fear of ruining his career. Something had to change. These days he is an out and proud gay man with a be
Kitty Scott-Claus "I was being called gay before I knew what it was"
Nigel's guest today is Kitty Scott-Claus, one of the UK’s most loved drag artistes. Kitty competed and rose to fame on the third series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK before moving onto the sequinned worldwide drag stage representing the UK on Global All Stars. A regular on many TV shows and a star on the theatre stage too, Kitty has seen her fame soar skywards. Having performed countless times as the d
Rosé "My coming out was the most harrowing experience of my life. It was not my choice"
Nigel's guest today is singer, composer, performer and drag artiste Rosé. Born in Scotland, Rosé moved to America with their family and it is there that they now call home. Rosé came to fame on Season 13 of RuPaul’s Drag Race where they placed top four. They have since earned rave reviews on stage both in and out of drag and launched themselves beautifully into the world of music. Now embracing th
Divina De Campo "I had all the girlfriends. But I just wanted to brush their hair and help paint their nails"
Nigel's guest today is Divina De Campo.Divina De Campo is a drag superstar and theatre maestro. Divina has appeared on countless TV shows and was the runner up on the first season of Rupaul’s Drag Race UK. She has proven herself to be one of the leading lights in the world of theatre with roles in Chicago, Drag The Musical, The Spongebob Musical and the brilliant Hedwig And The Angry Inch for whic
Darren Hayes "I was so lonely, and I really didn't want to be gay"
Nigel's guest today is Darren Hayes. Darren became world famous as lead singer of the group Savage Garden. Between the group and his solo career Darren has sold over 30 million albums, achieved two US billboard number one singles and won countless awards. He was given the Order Of Australia, his home country, by the late Queen Elizabeth for services to the music industry. But behind the stratosphe
Ginger Johnson "The first performance I ever did in drag was my school pantomime in primary school"
Nigel's guest today is drag sensation Ginger Johnson, winner of Season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Ginger’s brand of drag is quirky, colourful, campy and completely unique. She is a true cabaret maestro! But that’s hardly surprising when Ginger’s love of performing started at an early age. She has polished her craft to perfection. Winning the most famous drag show on TV has given Ginger the platfo
Sherry Vine "If I was starting out now, I would crawl through glass to get on RuPaul's Drag Race"
Nigel's guest today is Sherry Vine, a star with over 30 years of experience under her sequinned belt. Sherry has toured the world and appeared at countless Prides with her all singing powerhouse vocals and hilarious comedy routines. She is the dictionary definition of old-school cabaret entertainment. She has been honoured with The Glam Award for Living Legend and been named the HX Drag Queen Of T
Aaron Renfree “I've got two people on my shoulder, one saying, do this, one holding me back”
Nigel's guest today is Aaron Renfree, choreographer to the stars and former member of the legendary S Club Juniors. As a choreographer Aaron has worked on countless hit musicals and TV shows like The Masked Singer, The Masked Dancer, Dancing On Ice and The X Factor. He’s strutted his funky stuff alongside pop stars like Nadine Coyle, Rachel Stevens and The Saturdays and he’s popped up as the chore
Steve Grant "No mum, I want to walk down the aisle with a man"
Nigel's guest today is Steve Grant. Steve is one of the most famous faces (and bodies) from the 80s UK pop scene. He was, and still continues to be, a member of Tight Fit whose pop tunes like The Lion Sleeps Tonight and Fantasy Island shot up the charts in the early 1980s. Steve’s appearance in a loincloth and not much else on Top Of The Pops when The Lion Sleeps Tonight hit number one, was a homo
Jackie Beat “There is no expiration date on fierce, fabulous and funny”
Nigel's guest today is legendary drag performer Jackie Beat. Her razor sharp comedy and hysterical song parodies have entertained people around the world for over thirty five years. Her one-woman show Jackie Beat Is A Whole Lotta’ Love ran for a record-beating eighteen months at hip New York cabaret spot, Fez. She has starred in Sex And The City, been in countless movies, one alongside Robert De N
Andrew Hayden Smith "I definitely put on a straight persona. It's exhausting!"
Nigel's guest today is Andrew Hayden-Smith. Andrew rose to fame on the cult kids’ TV show Byker Grove in the late 1990s and early noughties and went on to be a pretty much permanent fixture on kids’ TV for many years. He was the poster boy for countless teen magazines and ended up hosting Children’s BBC, the most wholesome of telly jobs. So when Andrew decided to come out as a gay man at the age o
Gabbi Tuft "From somebody who made it through, trust me, there's always something better on the other side"
Nigel's guest today is Gabbi Tuft, an American wrestler, social media star, nutrition and fitness expert, and quite simply an inspiration.She is best known for her time in the world of WWE under the ring name of Tyler Reks. Gabbi thrived in that hyper-masculine world of but decided that something was not quite connecting in her life. She realised that she was in the wrong body and made the brave d
Daniel Franzese "I'd rather forever live authentically than bend for anyone to change who I am"
Nigel's guest today is Daniel Franzese, an actor, comedian, activist, director, writer and singer. Daniel is probably best know for his iconic and highly quotable film role as Damian Leigh in the legendary flick Mean Girls. Daniel also played the key role of Eddie, a character living with HIV, in the TV show Looking. You may also know him as Donna Bellissima from his time on RuPaul’s Secret Celebr
Jamal Sims "The world opened up once I was able to be comfortable with my sexuality"
Nigel's guest today is Jamal Sims, choreographer, producer, director and star of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Jamal has worked with virtually every pop star on earth, creating moves for everyone from Miley Cyrus and Celine Dion through to Usher and Madonna. His first audition landed him a job alongside a certain Michael Jackson. Jamal’s career started big and has continued to grow ever since. His work alon
Matthew Mitcham "Two options: a slow suicide...or swallow what little pride I had left and reach out for help"
Nigel's guest today is Matthew Mitcham, a true champion in the LGBTQIA world. Australian Matthew became the first openly gay athlete to win an Olympic Gold medal when he competed as a diver in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. But as he smiled with pride on the podium and became a role model to many Matthew had to also face the self-doubt and depression that had plagued him since childhood. His life h
Steven Carter-Bailey "If I'm a bug or a fairy or an elephant...I will be the gayest elephant you'll see because it's a wonderful life"
Nigel's guest today is Steven Carter-Bailey. Steven rose to fame when he was the runner-up on his season of The Great British Bake Off. Since then he has continued to be one of the most popular bakers ever to compete in the most delicious tent on TV. He is now a successful businessman and has also become celebrity cake baker to the stars creating delights for everyone from Russell Tovey through to
Todrick Hall "I'm a hopeless romantic. I love the idea of love"
Nigel's guest today is Todrick Hall. Singer, rapper, choreographer and as the title of his latest album says, Icon. His meteoric rise to fame on YouTube has been for the whole world to see and as a member of the queer community he continues to push back boundaries and fight injustices with his artistry. Whether it be onstage, on TV or on one of his countless dance tracks Todrick always brings his
Brooke Eden "I was probably eight the first time they told us gay people went to hell"
Nigel's guest today is Brooke Eden, country music singer and songwriter. These days Brooke is a proud gay woman, married to the woman of her dreams and able to sing about her love, life and relationship to her masses of fans with a feeling of beautiful authenticity. But when she was growing up in Florida dreaming of a career in music she had to keep her feelings hidden – because of religion and be
Jackie Cox "I started working at Disneyland when I was 19 and that is a very gay place to work"
Nigel's guest today is Jackie Cox, a drag star who shone worldwide when she became a contestant on Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race USA.Born to a Canadian father and an Iranian mother, Darius Rose, aka Jackie Cox has become a unique and hugely talented and respected performer in the worlds of both drag, cabaret and theatre. Jackie was the first contestant in Drag Race herstory to walk down the catw
Dominic Skinner "When the zombie apocalypse happens, baby, it's going to be full of queer people"
Nigel's guest today is Dominic Skinner, make-up artist extraordinaire and judge on the hit BBC TV series, Glow Up. Dominic has been a leading light in the world of cosmetics for many years, working at the top of his field and gaining an international reputation as the make-up maestro to work with. The public fell in love with him when he was picked to be a judge on the make-up TV show where he and
Cazwell "I really wanted to be able to talk about sex in a way that straight people do"
Nigel's guest today is Cazwell, the groundbreaking rapper, record producer, DJ and songwriter. He’s been making music since the 90s and has never shied away from representing the queer community in his lyrics and his videos. In a genre of music where more often than not any kind of queerness has always been considered taboo, Cazwell was and always has been unapologetically brilliant at pushing bac
Miss Coco Peru "If I embrace everything I have been taught to hate about myself there's power in that"
Nigel's guest today is Miss Coco Peru, drag royalty who has been a household name in the queer community for over 30 years. Her list of achievements is incredible – from starring in films like To Wong Foo and Wigstock, through to raising funds for LGBTQ causes with her iconic Conversations With Coco events. The list of people she has worked with includes everyone from Liza Minnelli and Jane Fonda,
Hazell Dean "I got to know Divine quite well...he was a bit wary of me at first"
Nigel's guest today is iconic pop star Hazell Dean, who has been lighting up dance floors as the Queen Of Hi NRG since her iconic queer anthem Searchin’ (I Gotta Find A Man) became a massive smash back in 1984. Her back catalogue of other incredible tunes includes Who’s Leaving Who, Maybe We Should Call It A Day and Whatever I Do. Hazell is a gay woman and a huge Trans Ally and supporter of Trans
Jimbo "They told me not to be slutty at breakfast!"
Nigel's guest today is Jimbo, a drag star best known for competing in the first season of Canada’s Drag Race, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Vs The World and for winning Drag Race All Stars. She is a pure drag icon garnering international recognition for her show-stopping looks and shows that astound crowds with their creativity and leave audiences screaming for more. Jimbo is a designer with a huge backgr
Peppermint "I got fired from the bank for wearing women's clothing to work"
Hosted by Nigel May, whose guest today is Peppermint, a true trailblazer in the worlds of drag and transgender rites.She is an actress, singer, songwriter, TV personality, and activist. When she was announced as a contestant on Season 9 of Rupaul’s Drag Race USA she became the first transgender woman to come out prior to the show airing.On stage she became the first trans woman to originate a prin
Paul Burston "I was very traumatized. It isn't normal to be burying your friends when you're 23"
Hosted by Nigel May, whose guest today is Paul Burston, journalist and author and a man who has been described as the senior statesman of queer culture.He edited the LGBT section of Time Out magazine for many years and is the author of many best-selling books. He is also the curator and host of the award winning Polari Literary salon and founder of the Polari Prize book awards for LGBTQ+ writers.H
Bright Light Bright Light "Going for drinks with a random guy at three o'clock on a Wednesday"
Hosted by Nigel May, whose guest today is Rod Thomas, probably better known by his pop star name Bright Light Bright Light.Rod has been releasing excellent pop music since 2012 and always shines as an example of how to continually strive forwards with their artistry and music despite the restrictions of being an independent artist.Born and raised in Wales, Rod now lives in New York which is where
Jean Pierre-Barda "For a long time, I had guilt having sex"
Hosted by Nigel May, whose guest today is Jean-Pierre Barda, best known as one of the members of the fabulously flamboyant Swedish pop group Army Of Lovers who first splashed onto the music scene in the UK back in the early 1990s with the massive disco anthem Crucified. Nigel remembers seeing the video for the song for the first time and watching the eye-linered Jean-Pierre reclining in a bath fan
Margaret Cho "I was a very bad dominatrix"
Hosted by Nigel May, whose guest today is actor Margaret Cho.Margaret is a comedian, actress, advocate, entrepreneur and multiple Grammy and Emmy nominee. She has been named by Vogue magazine as one of the top nine best female comedians of all time. Margaret started performing comedy at the age of 14 and now performs to sell-out crowds around the world. She is openly bisexual but isn’t sure if tha
Charlie Condou "There's a big difference between being a gay dad and a gay daddy, as my DMs will attest to"
Hosted by Nigel May, whose guest today is actor Charlie Condou. Charlie has been acting since he was a boy and gained huge recognition for his role as Marcus Dent in Coronation Street as well as roles in other hit TV series such as Holby City and Gimme Gimme Gimme. He has been a leading light of both stage and screen and also a trailblazer in championing LGBTQ+ rights. He lives with his husband an
