Russell T Davies' new autobiography, 'The Queerest of Folk', provides a look into five decades of the British television industry. The book uses the framework of his TV shows, from early soap spin-offs to 'Queer As Folk' and 'Doctor Who', to propel the narrative.
Davies, born in Swansea in 1963, began his career in children's television before working at Granada Studios. His defining creation, 'Queer As Folk', a Channel 4 series from 1999, is highlighted for its impact in a time when queer stories were rare.
The memoir also touches on his revival of 'Doctor Who' in 2005, a project he writes about with affection. While generally positive about colleagues, Davies does not shy away from criticism, notably addressing Gwyneth Paltrow's comments on intimacy coordinators and recalling an unsettling meeting with Harvey Weinstein.
The book also shares a moving account of his husband Andrew's death in 2018. Davies concludes with a manifesto for the future, advocating for creativity and optimism in the arts, celebrating a range of television from 'Baby Reindeer' to 'The Chase'.