A new BBC drama titled What It Feels Like for a Girl has captured attention for its portrayal of a queer teen navigating gender identity amid a backdrop of parties and substance use. Based on the memoir of journalist Paris Lees, the series stars Ellis Howard, a promising talent hailing from Liverpool. Recently, Howard was recognized as part of the U.K. 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough list, an initiative backed by Netflix to spotlight emerging talent.
Howard’s journey began at The Guildhall School and has since included notable roles in productions like the 2022 BBC horror series Red Rose and his West End debut in Aaron Sorkin’s To Kill a Mockingbird. While these projects have established him as a formidable presence, What It Feels Like for a Girl has significantly expanded his visibility. Produced by Hera Pictures and directed by Brian Welsh, the series features co-stars Hannah Walters and Laura Haddock.
Reflecting on his experience, Howard expressed excitement about being included in the BAFTA Breakthrough program. “I feel BAFTA is such an incredible institution at the very heart of our culture,” he said. “To be recognized and supported by them is just such an honor.” He elaborated on his pride for the show, which he considers his breakthrough project. “It was a tiny BBC Three show. And now that it is getting the stamp of approval from BAFTA, I’m like, ‘God, this feels mad.'”
Howard portrays Byron, a character who embarks on an emotional journey. He described the role as a significant opportunity, one that required him to tap into his own experiences of trauma and triumph. “I felt this tremendous responsibility, but also this opportunity, to come at this role with all of my trauma and triumph and mess,” he explained. The challenge invigorated him, fostering a desire to take risks in his future projects.
Howard has aspirations for the BAFTA Breakthrough program, aiming to connect with other like-minded creatives. He praised Paris Lees for her passion and unique voice in the arts, highlighting the importance of narratives that reflect class and queerness. “I want to meet more exciting writers and filmmakers,” he said. With BAFTA’s support, he hopes to gain access to opportunities that would otherwise remain elusive, enhancing visibility for his work.
The themes explored in What It Feels Like for a Girl resonate deeply with Howard, who aims to delve into stories that intersect queerness and class. “Those themes are incredibly important to me,” he noted. He expressed a desire to explore diverse roles, including those that allow for transformation, such as period pieces and complex characters in contemporary dramas. “Some of my favorite shows, like Industry and Succession, feature characters that are complex and ruthless, and I’m like, ‘God, I really want to get my teeth into parts like that.'”
In closing, Howard emphasized the need for What It Feels Like for a Girl to reach a U.S. audience. “We need this anarchic, punk queer show over in the States just to ruffle some feathers and to give them a slice of British life,” he urged. As his career unfolds, Howard’s commitment to authentic storytelling and representation remains a driving force in his work.
