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Heartstopper’s Bradley Riches Joins Soap Drama Emmerdale

Zayn Williams

March 19, 2025

Heartstopper’s Bradley Riches Joins Soap Drama Emmerdale

Bradley Riches, known to many as the unlucky-in-love James McEwan from the Netflix series Heartstopper, has taken a significant step forward in his career by joining the cast of Emmerdale.

This long-running British soap, which first aired in 1972, has built a reputation for tackling diverse storylines and has become a staple of evening television across the UK.

For Bradley Riches, stepping into the world of Emmerdale marks a dream come true, as he recently expressed being “beyond excited” about his new role.

Though he has not yet disclosed details about the character he will portray, fans can anticipate drama, mystery, and the sort of emotional depth that has kept Emmerdale on the air for over five decades.

A Rising Star

Before landing his spot in Heartstopper, Bradley Riches honed his acting skills through various stage and screen projects.

He appeared in Babies the Musical on London’s West End, showcasing his flair for live performance.

He also took on the role of Peter Pan in The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, where audiences praised his energetic portrayal of the iconic character.

Beyond that, he made an impression on reality TV enthusiasts by appearing on a celebrity edition of Big Brother and by starring as Freddy in the BBC slasher Wreck.

These eclectic experiences have helped him cultivate a versatile acting style, which fans believe will serve him well in the unpredictable plot twists of Emmerdale.

Engagement News

Amid all the professional excitement, Bradley Riches has also been celebrating a milestone in his personal life.

He got engaged to his boyfriend Scott Johnston a year ago, sharing the news with close friends and family before quietly confirming it on social media.

While he tends to keep the details of his private life out of the spotlight, he has occasionally posted glimpses of their relationship, much to the delight of his supporters.

Fans have been quick to congratulate the couple, noting that the engagement coincides perfectly with his career upswing.

In an industry that can often blur the line between public and private, Bradley Riches has demonstrated that it is possible to nurture a loving relationship while pursuing an ever-growing list of professional ambitions.

What to Expect Next

Production on Emmerdale is already underway, and reports suggest that Bradley Riches filmed his first scenes this week, set to air in May.

Fans of the soap have been buzzing on social media, with longtime cast members like Lisa Riley (who plays Mandy Dingle) welcoming him warmly to the “farm.”

Meanwhile, Michelle Hardwick, known as Vanessa Woodfield on the show, expressed her excitement by tweeting that she looks forward to meeting him on set.

With a diverse background in stage musicals, television dramas, and even reality TV, Bradley Riches brings a wealth of talent to the Emmerdale ensemble.

His warmth, wit, and on-screen charm have already won over fans of Heartstopper, and now viewers of Emmerdale are eager to see how his new role will unfold.

As he balances his engagement with a blossoming career, Bradley Riches stands poised to make 2025 a year of milestones both on and off the screen.

Given his proven ability to adapt to different genres, from teenage romance to theatrical musicals, there is little doubt that he will leave a memorable impression on one of the UK’s most beloved soaps.

While the specifics of his character remain under wraps, one thing is certain: with Bradley Riches in the mix, Emmerdale is bound to deliver another layer of intrigue and heart to its ever-expanding storyline.

Viewers can tune in to ITV1 or stream episodes on ITVX to follow his journey and discover how this rising star’s talents will reshape the fabric of the fictional village.

Gay Diver Tom Daley Opens Up About His Body Struggles

Zayn Williams

March 19, 2025

Gay Diver Tom Daley Opens Up About His Body Struggles

Tom Daley, the 30-year-old British diving champion, is preparing to unveil his new documentary Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds on Discovery+ in early June.

He is known worldwide for his outstanding achievements, which include multiple Olympic medals and a celebrated presence on Team GB since his teenage years.

This latest project offers a closer look at his life beyond the diving board, capturing both triumphs and struggles.

Facing Body Image Struggles

Though he dazzled audiences at the 2012 London Olympics and again in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Tom Daley has recently opened up about battling bulimia and body dysmorphia.

He revealed in a candid interview with Fashion Magazine that, back in 2011, a performance director labeled him “overweight,” despite him being only a teenager at the time.

This harsh critique, he said, contributed to a sense of shame and a belief that his body needed to look a certain way for him to succeed.

During these formative years, Tom Daley struggled with the idea that eating disorders were primarily a “women’s issue,” which made him feel isolated as a young man confronting these challenges.

He admits that while the spotlight often brought him praise and recognition, it also intensified his insecurities about body image.

By sharing his personal story, he hopes to encourage others facing similar issues to seek help and to remind them that such struggles are not confined to any single gender.

A New Chapter

After retiring from diving in 2024, Tom Daley began exploring new passions and opportunities that reflect his evolving interests.

He is set to host a Channel 4 knitting show called Game of Wool, showcasing a side of himself far removed from the high-pressure world of elite sports.

In interviews, he has noted that stepping away from competition has allowed him to appreciate just how much he has grown, both mentally and physically, since he first dove onto the international stage.

He acknowledges that, while diving remains a significant part of his identity, it no longer defines his every move.

Now, Tom Daley finds himself embracing the freedom to pursue creative outlets, reflecting on the highs and lows of a career that began when he was just a teenager.

Knitting and Family Life

Between 2016 and 2021, Tom Daley married his partner Dustin Lance Black, a filmmaker and LGBTQ+ advocate, and welcomed two children, Robert “Robbie” and Phoenix Rose.

The diver-turned-knitting-enthusiast credits his newfound hobby with helping him manage stress and anxiety, particularly during the lockdowns that preceded the Tokyo Olympics.

He often refers to knitting as his “superpower,” explaining that the focus and creativity it requires kept him grounded while the world seemed to be in constant flux.

Becoming a father also reshaped his priorities, as he realized he was no longer just an athlete but also a role model for his growing family.

He frequently shares heartwarming moments on social media, showcasing his creations and reflecting on how far he has come since his early diving days.

Looking Ahead

With the upcoming release of Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds, fans are eager to see how this documentary will capture the evolution of a once-teenage prodigy into a multifaceted adult.

The film promises never-before-seen archival footage, introspective interviews, and a glimpse into the personal battles that shaped him into the person he is today.

By delving into his experiences with body dysmorphia, bulimia, and the intense pressures of Olympic competition, Tom Daley aims to spark conversations about mental health in sports and beyond.

He hopes that by being open about his struggles, he can encourage other athletes—and everyday people—to seek support rather than suffer in silence.

In the meantime, Tom Daley continues to expand his horizons, whether through knitting projects or spending time with his growing family.

As a retired diver, he represents the possibility of reinventing oneself, proving that an athlete’s identity can flourish beyond the boundaries of their chosen sport.

By embracing a new chapter in life, Tom Daley reminds us that growth often comes from acknowledging our vulnerabilities and transforming them into sources of strength.

As the premiere date for Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds approaches, his story serves as a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of change.

+Related: Tom Daley’s Triumphant Return

Elton John’s Beautiful New Video Celebrates Gay Intimacy & Expression

Zayn Williams

March 18, 2025

Elton John’s Beautiful New Video Celebrates Gay Intimacy & Expression

Elton John and Brandi Carlile have joined forces to release the music video for their latest single Swing For The Fences, a vibrant celebration of self-expression, love, and queer identity.

Directed by Xavier Dolan, an internationally acclaimed Canadian filmmaker and actor, the video offers an intimate look at how movement can serve as a powerful act of freedom.

From the opening frames, the camera follows a young man at home alone, portrayed by William Darby, whose solitary dance routine radiates both vulnerability and a sense of defiance.

As the track’s melody swells, Darby becomes increasingly immersed in the music, allowing each step and gesture to communicate his growing confidence.

He is soon joined by Abdalla Amour, and the two performers form a kinetic bond, moving in unison with the emotional peaks of the song.

The narrative culminates in a final intimate kiss, capturing a moment of raw connection that underscores the video’s central theme: embracing one’s identity, no matter who may seek to limit it.

Choreographed by the celebrated Damien Jalet (Suspiria, Anima, Emilia Pérez), the piece strikes a balance between structured technique and improvisational bursts of energy.

Jalet has collaborated with icons such as Marina Abramović, Madonna, and the Paris Opera Ballet, and he describes the goal of this production as “an eruptive and spontaneous dance of joy.”

By blending classical elements with sudden, unpredictable movements, Jalet sought to reflect the character’s emotional journey, one shaped by acceptance, desire, and the pressures of societal judgment.

Xavier Dolan, who has directed award-winning films premiering at festivals like Cannes and Venice, said he was inspired by the concept of a lonely young man dancing to affirm his place in queer culture.

He called it “an ultimate act of expression, abandonment, selflessness,” praising Elton John and Brandi Carlile for entrusting him with a story that resonates so strongly at a time when certain powerful voices seek to limit personal freedoms.

The production was spearheaded by Scheme Engine, a BIPOC-owned creative studio dedicated to crafting narratives with integrity and purpose.

From the lighting to the camera angles, every aspect of the video is designed to convey a sense of liberation, reflecting the single’s uplifting message.

The collaboration between Xavier Dolan and Damien Jalet results in a stunning “pas de trois” between the dancers, the music, and the camera, revealing how even a small domestic space can transform into a stage for self-discovery.

By the end of Swing For The Fences, viewers are left with a lingering impression of hope, fueled by the raw emotion of the dancers and the resonant lyrics performed by Elton John and Brandi Carlile.

At its core, this music video is an ode to queer resilience, reminding audiences that art, dance, and love remain powerful tools for claiming one’s identity in a world still grappling with prejudice.

Davies: We Gays May Have to Be ‘Rebels in Basements Again’

Zayn Williams

March 18, 2025

Davies: We Gays May Have to Be ‘Rebels in Basements Again’

Russell T Davies, the acclaimed writer and producer behind Doctor Who, It’s a Sin, and Queer as Folk, has voiced grave concerns about what he sees as an unprecedented threat facing the LGBTQ+ community.

Speaking to The Guardian at the Gaydio Pride Awards, Russell T Davies warned that the current political climate is more dangerous than anything he has ever witnessed.

He specifically called out former president Donald Trump for “weaponizing hate speech” and also criticized high-profile figures such as Elon Musk for amplifying harmful rhetoric.

According to Russell T Davies, the wave of anger, violence, and resentment now sweeping across various corners of the globe could have devastating consequences for LGBTQ+ people.

“I’m not being alarmist,” he said in his keynote speech, “I’m 60 years old, and I’m in the greatest danger I have ever seen.”

He pointed to legislative actions targeting queer and transgender individuals, describing them as deliberate attempts to erase or undermine hard-won civil rights.

Over the past few years, Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders rolling back protections for LGBTQ+ communities, including the attempted ban on transgender people serving in the military and moves to restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth.

Russell T Davies believes these policies represent a “blatant and uncontrollable” slide backward, threatening the very progress many have fought for.

He also remarked on Elon Musk’s political statements and his influence over social media, claiming that when individuals with vast resources amplify divisive rhetoric, the fallout can be far-reaching.

In Russell T Davies’ view, the LGBTQ+ community must respond by uniting as never before, building strong alliances, and refusing to be relegated to the shadows.

During his speech, he invoked a sense of historical perspective, recalling times when queer people gathered in basements, hidden from a society that refused to accept them.

“If we have to be those rebels in basements again,” he warned, “then that’s what we’ll become.”

Such words carry weight, given his track record of creating groundbreaking series that bring LGBTQ+ stories to mainstream audiences.

In the face of these challenges, Russell T Davies emphasized the need for resilience, empathy, and visibility.

He urged the community and its allies to continue making space for queer voices in media, politics, and everyday life.

Only by doing so, he suggested, can the tide of hostility be countered, ensuring that future generations do not see their freedoms vanish.

His stark warning is a reminder that, despite significant strides in recent decades, the fight for equality and acceptance is far from over.

For Russell T Davies, standing up against the rising tide of hate speech means taking collective action, championing legislation that protects LGBTQ+ rights, and challenging the voices that seek to divide.

He hopes that by speaking out, others will find the courage to do the same, preserving the spirit of inclusivity that underpins the best of modern society.

Josh Cavallo’s Battle Against Homophobia in Pro Football

Zayn Williams

March 18, 2025

Josh Cavallo’s Battle Against Homophobia in Pro Football

Josh Cavallo, a midfielder for Adelaide United in Australia, has made history as the first openly gay male professional footballer in the country.

Since coming out in October 2021, he has experienced both overwhelming support and alarming hostility, including homophobic abuse and even death threats.

In interviews, Josh Cavallo has described the challenges of navigating a sport that has often lacked visible LGBTQ+ role models.

Although his club and coaches have publicly backed him, the reality of being openly gay in professional football is far from simple.

He recently spoke on FIFPRO’s Footballers Unfiltered podcast, revealing that the global reaction to his coming out was more intense than he could have ever anticipated.

While many applauded his courage, he also encountered a dark side of the sport, with some individuals threatening violence against him.

He explained that despite the progress made by society, multiple death threats indicate there is still significant work to be done.

Though he is grateful for the positive messages he has received, Josh Cavallo acknowledges that the football world can be slow to adapt to change.

He believes a gay player is perceived differently, no matter how skillful or dedicated he may be.

He also noted that homophobia can be especially challenging to confront in a high-stakes environment where fans, clubs, and the media hold strong opinions.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Josh Cavallo admits he wishes he had come out sooner.

He spent years hiding his sexuality, fearing that it would derail his career and invite abuse from the stands.

However, he found solace in a supportive network of friends and family, who helped him “put up a wall” against the worst of the negativity.

Still, he emphasizes that while coming out can be liberating, it also carries risks that some may not fully understand.

He believes it is vital for younger players to know that they are not alone, even if they feel the burden of hiding their true selves.

Since publicly sharing his story, Josh Cavallo has used social media to speak out against homophobia and to call for a safer environment for LGBTQ+ athletes.

He argues that clubs, leagues, and governing bodies must take a proactive stance, implementing zero-tolerance policies and providing education to help foster inclusivity.

Despite the threats, Josh Cavallo remains determined to thrive on the pitch, driven by the belief that every player should have the right to pursue their dreams without fear of discrimination.

In doing so, he continues to inspire fans around the world who see his journey as proof that authenticity and success in professional sports can go hand in hand.

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B-GayIt\'s So You!

B-GayIt\'s So You!

A Rising Star

Engagement News

What to Expect Next

Facing Body Image Struggles

A New Chapter

Knitting and Family Life

Looking Ahead