Olly Alexander Asked to Withdraw from Eurovision






Olly Alexander, the leading man of the synth-pop band, Years & Years, and starred in Channel 4’s groundbreaking LGBTQ+ series ‘It’s a Sin’, has been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, offering a proud representation of queer voices in the entertainment industry. Recently, he’s made headlines with his thoughtful response to a letter from an organization named “Queers for Palestine.”

Alexander, who’s never been shy about his gay identity and has encouraged others to embrace their truths in his music and public life, is set to participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). However, his upcoming participation sparked some controversy when “Queers for Palestine” asked him to withdraw in solidarity with Palestine amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Alexander took to Instagram to post his considerate response towards the collective call for action and voices in support of Palestine. He stated: “I wholeheartedly support action being taken to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and the safety and security of all civilians in Palestine and Israel.”

Outlining his decision to remain a participant in the ESC, he argued that removing himself from the competition wouldn’t bring them any closer to their shared goals. “Instead,” he wrote, “I’ve taken a lot of time to deliberate over what to do and the options available to me.”

Related: Olly Alexander and Graham Norton Dish on Eurovision’s High Stakes

Fostering amidst his fans a sense of pride and compassion, Alexander aspires to use his influential platform to advocate peace and unity, which could potentially trigger a global call for action regarding the current situation. He ended his response on a hopeful note, expressing that their calls for peace are heeded and atrocities in Gaza cease.

Irrespective of his love life adventures or career escapades, Alexander has consistently used his platform wisely, emphasizing social change and respect for all, which makes him an exceptional role model inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community.

Related: Olly Alexander: Shining Bright on Eurovision

Joe Locke Says ‘Heartstopper’ Season 3 is Dark and Horny






Acclaimed for his breakout role in the compelling Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’, Joe Locke, born and bred in the small yet charming community of Isle of Man, has been paving his way through the competitive world of acting, leaving no stone unturned and no heart unmoved.

Having recently sat down with Jesse Tyler, the ‘Modern Family’ star turned podcaster, for breakfast of green shakshuka and grilled halloumi, Locke shared a few unsparingly candid moments about his life, love, and rising career.

Auditioning over Zoom amidst the COVID-19 uncertainties, Locke’s passion for acting was thus put to a unique test. In spite of this, his determination remained unwavering, resulting in him scoring the role in ‘Heartstopper’.

While being openly gay, Locke champions the representation of queer love onscreen, not shying away from breaking stereotypes and addressing critical issues in the LGBTQ+ community. His character in ‘Heartstopper’, a gay teen navigating the thrills and challenges of young love, has resonated deeply with audiences. Regarding the suspenseful future of ‘Heartstopper’,

Locke teased some details about the forthcoming season 3. According to Locke, the new season is set to bear a considerably darker tone than its predecessors, which intrigues viewers.

Furthermore, he provided a somewhat cheeky hint about the ‘horny’ second half of the season, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its release.

“Season 3 is definitely way darker than other seasons would have been. I’d say the first half of the season is dark, and the second half is horny,” Locke told Tyler.

Related: Heartstopper Season 3: Official Release Date Revealed

Locke’s courageous stance at the intersection of his professional life and personal identity establishes him as a powerful ally in promoting LGBTQ+ representation on a global stage.

His impressive career bolstered by his affable personality and unwavering authenticity makes Locke not just a star to watch, but an icon to admire for the LGBTQ+ community.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Related: Kit Connor Proudly Watches Joe Locke on Broadway