What It Feels Like for a Girl TV – Cast, Episodes & Reviews
In June 2025, BBC Three premiered What It Feels Like for a Girl, a British coming-of-age drama adapted by Paris Lees from her own memoir. Set in Y2K-era Nottingham, the series follows a teenager named Byron as he navigates a troubled home life and discovers the city’s underground queer club scene. The show has drawn attention for its raw, unflinching portrayal of queer youth in early 2000s Britain.
The adaptation was commissioned by the BBC in 2023 and landed on BBC iPlayer on 3 June 2025. Critics have described it as both “deeply disturbing” and “totally fearless,” with particular praise for lead actor Ellis Howard. The series currently consists of one season, with no official word yet on a second.
What Is What It Feels Like for a Girl About?
Plot Summary: Byron’s Escape to Nottingham’s Underworld
The series centres on Byron, played by Ellis Howard, a teenager in early-2000s Nottingham trying to escape an unhappy home life. He becomes drawn into the city’s underground queer club scene, a world of nightlife, sex work, and self-destruction. The BBC’s trailer calls it a “raw, heartbreaking and hilarious drama” about “escape, self-discovery and self-destruction.” Paris Lees has described it as a “proudly working-class story.”
The Real-Life Inspiration: Paris Lees’ Memoir
The show is an adaptation of Paris Lees’ 2021 memoir What It Feels Like for a Girl. The television version uses a fictionalized lead character named Byron, but his experiences are closely based on Lees’ own life growing up in the East Midlands. Lees, a journalist and transgender rights activist, wrote the adaptation herself. Learn more in our biography of Paris Lees: biography and works.
Setting the Scene: Y2K and Small-Town England
The story is firmly rooted in the early 2000s, a period that shapes the show’s aesthetic and cultural references. Nottingham’s queer scene of that era – risky, vibrant, and largely hidden – forms the backdrop for Byron’s journey.
- The series is a raw, fearlessly told adaptation of Paris Lees’ real-life experiences in Y2K-era Nottingham.
- Central character Byron is portrayed as both vulnerable and anarchic.
- Critics have praised its unflinching depiction of queer youth, but warn of disturbing content.
- The show is currently a single season of 4 episodes (approx 43 mins each), available exclusively on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 4 (Season 1) |
| Runtime | approx 43 minutes each |
| Network | BBC Three / BBC iPlayer |
| Creator / Writer | Paris Lees |
| Lead Character | Byron (played by Ellis Howard) |
| Setting | Nottingham, early 2000s (Y2K) |
Who Is in the Cast of What It Feels Like for a Girl?
Main Characters and Actors
Ellis Howard leads the cast as Byron, described by The Guardian as “charismatic and convincing.” Other main cast members include Laura Haddock as Lisa, Hannah Walters as Mommar Joe, Michael Socha as Steve, Laquarn Lewis as Lady Die, Hannah Jones as Sasha, Adam Ali as Dirty Damian, Alex Thomas-Smith as Sticky Nikki, Calam Lynch as Max, Jake Dunn as Liam, and Dickie Beau as Peter.
Guest Stars and Supporting Roles
The ensemble also features Emma Shipp as Smanfa, Laura Checkley as Bev, Oliver Huntingdon as Bradley, Sekou Diaby as Rinze, Rhys Connah as Carl, Fay Ripley as Tessa, Selina Mosinski as Mikey, Juliet Cowan as Alison, Lorn Macdonald as Tony, Emma Naomi as Miss Meadows, and Conor Deane as Wayne.
Character Connections: Byron, Bradley, and Lady Die
Bradley, played by Oliver Huntingdon, is a figure from Byron’s early life. Lady Die, portrayed by Laquarn Lewis, is a key presence in Nottingham’s club scene, helping to guide Byron into that world. The relationships between these characters drive much of the drama.
Several actors in the supporting cast, such as Fay Ripley and Michael Socha, are well known to British audiences from previous television work.
How Many Episodes Are in Season 1 and Is There a Season 2?
Season 1 Episode List
The first season consists of 4 episodes, each running approximately 43 minutes. The BBC originally commissioned the series as an 8-episode adaptation in June 2023, but the final broadcast season was shortened to 4 episodes.
Episode 1 Recap: From Cottaging to Club Life
The opening episode introduces Byron in his unhappy home environment and follows his first encounters with Nottingham’s underground queer scene, including the practice known as “cottaging” – gay men meeting for sex in public toilets. It sets the tone for a series that balances humour with disturbing realities.
Season 2 Status: Renewal and Speculation
As of now, the BBC has not announced a second season. Discussions about a potential renewal are ongoing, but no official confirmation exists. The series status is therefore uncertain.
For the most up-to-date information on a possible season 2, follow Paris Lees on social media or check the BBC iPlayer page for any updates.
Where Can I Watch What It Feels Like for a Girl?
BBC iPlayer – The Official UK Streaming Home
The series aired on BBC Three and is exclusively available on BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom. It premiered on 3 June 2025, as stated in the BBC’s promotional materials.
International Availability and DVD Release
There is currently no confirmed information about international streaming rights. It is not known whether the show will appear on services like Netflix, HBO Max, or others outside the UK. A DVD or Blu-ray release has not been announced.
Free Trials and Legal Streaming Options
Viewers in the UK can watch the series on BBC iPlayer using a standard TV licence. No additional subscription is required. For those outside the UK, no legal streaming options have been confirmed yet.
The series contains strong language, sexual situations, and drug use. An official age rating (likely 15 or 18) has not been listed on all platforms, but viewer discretion is strongly advised.
What Is the Release Timeline for What It Feels Like for a Girl?
- 2024 (announcement): BBC greenlights the adaptation of Paris Lees’ memoir.
- May 2025: Press previews and first reviews are published.
- 3 June 2025: Series premieres on BBC iPlayer.
- 2025 (ongoing): Discussions continue about a potential season 2.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Season 1 has 4 episodes and is available on BBC iPlayer. | Season 2 has not been announced by BBC. |
| The series is adapted from Paris Lees’ memoir. | International streaming rights (Netflix, HBO Max) are not confirmed. |
| It is set in Y2K-era Nottingham. | Exact age rating (likely 15 or 18) is not listed on all pages. |
What Is the Cultural Context and Significance of the Series?
The series offers a rare, unflinching look at queer teenage life in early 2000s Britain. Critics have compared its tone to Skins meets Shameless but darker. Paris Lees’ personal story adds authenticity and weight to the narrative. The show balances moments of humour and anarchy with disturbing content, such as cottaging for cash, reflecting the risky reality of queer life in that era.
What Do Critics Say About the Series?
“…deeply disturbing and totally fearless TV”
The Guardian (review, 3 June 2025)
“It’s Y2K, and Byron’s flirting with discovery and destruction, love and anarchy.”
BBC iPlayer description
“British coming of age television series that is adapted by Paris Lees from her memoir of the same name.”
Wikipedia
According to The Guardian review, the series is a “memorably complex psychological portrait” with a “career-defining turn” by Ellis Howard. Stylist called it “an important watch for all.” The Wikipedia article reports universal critical acclaim. The Rotten Tomatoes page aggregates critic and audience scores. Paris Lees’ memoir is available to read as a companion piece.
Summary: A Bold Adaptation Worth Watching
What It Feels Like for a Girl is a distinctive British drama that brings Paris Lees’ memoir to life with honesty and emotional force. Its 4-episode first season is available now on BBC iPlayer. For more BBC iPlayer series with LGBTQ+ themes, see our guide to Top LGBTQ+ TV series on BBC iPlayer. To learn more about the author, read our biography of Paris Lees: biography and works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Paris Lees?
Paris Lees is a British journalist, writer, and transgender rights activist. Her memoir What It Feels Like for a Girl was published in 2021 and adapted into this TV series.
Is the show suitable for teens?
The series contains strong language, sexual situations, and drug use. It likely carries a 15 or 18 rating, though official certification is not listed on all platforms.
How does the TV series compare to the book?
The series closely follows Lees’ memoir, though some characters and events are adapted for television. The core story of Byron’s self-discovery remains faithful.
What is “cottaging” and why is it in the show?
Cottaging refers to gay men meeting for sex in public toilets. It is a central element of the memoir and series, reflecting the risky reality of queer life in the early 2000s.
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