Born in North Yorkshire, Olly Alexander, 34, joined Years & Years as lead vocalist in 2010. Their hit singles included King and Shine, and in 2023 Alexander won the Brit Billion award for 6.5bn streams. He was Bafta-nominated for his role in the TV miniseries It’s a Sin, and recently appeared on stage in White Rabbit Red Rabbit. His new album is Polari and he heads out on a European tour later this month. He lives in London.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
Jill Nalder. Lydia West played her character in It’s a Sin. She was on the wards with nurses caring for patients who were dying [of Aids] when lots of people wouldn’t go near them.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I can be an overthinker and a vicious self-critic.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Cruelty.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
At the Mighty Hoopla festival, Kimberley and Nicola from Girls Aloud joined me on stage for a Girls Aloud song. I completely forgot the words.
What is your most treasured possession?
My diaries.
Describe yourself in three words
Kate Bush fan.
What would your superpower be?
Talking to animals.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
A CGI cat.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I have a habit of talking out of one side of my mouth, and when I see myself do it I want to scream.
What is your most unappealing habit?
I’m very noisy. I am constantly talking out loud, singing, making random noises. I feel sorry for my neighbours.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Ian McKellen.
Which book are you ashamed not to have read?
The Odyssey, just because I keep referencing it.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
It’s the stuff about my appearance that sticks. I read I had a face like a crumpled napkin and teeth that could till a field.
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
When I was anonymous, I very much wanted to be famous. Now I have fame, I fantasise about slipping into a new, anonymous identity. But for the most part, I’m happy with my choice.
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What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Reruns of Four in a Bed or A Place in the Sun.
What does love feel like?
Like something or someone is part of your DNA, the fabric of who you are.
What was the best kiss of your life?
The first time I kissed my partner at Metropolis in Hackney. It was love at first kiss. That was almost 10 years ago.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Early in my career I got really close to being one of the kids in the Narnia movie. I remember being crushed.
How often do you have sex?
As often as possible.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Sunshine.
Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
Money.
Tell us a joke
People are always asking me what it’s like being a gay artist, and I can never give them a straight answer.
Source: theguardian.com
