'It's A Sin' Inspiration: Drag Queen Phil Lewis Dies

One of the real-life inspirations behind Russell T Davies’ hit television series *It’s A Sin

has sadly passed away, prompting a heartfelt tribute from the show’s creator.

Phil Lewis, fondly known as Pinky, was a cherished figure in the LGBTQ+ community and a pivotal influence on Davies’ 1980s-set drama exploring the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Davies first met Lewis at the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre Company, where they shared a passion for performance and a unique brand of Welsh camp humour.

Lewis, along with a group of friends, established the iconic “Pink Palace” flat-share in London, which served as a focal point for the series’ narrative. Davies, reflecting on Lewis’ impact, stated on Instagram: “What a beautiful man. The wonderful Pinky has died, what a loss.” He recalled their shared journey at the youth theatre: “I joined in the '70s, Pinky and his gang were camp, hilarious, wise and brilliant. Camp became a way for us to express who we really are – Welsh camp too, the best!”

After relocating to London in the 1980s, Lewis became a celebrated drag queen in Brighton, captivating audiences with his vibrant personality and talent. Davies, reminiscing about a recent reunion, shared: “I didn’t see him for decades – though I heard the stories! – but we all met up recently, and my God, we laughed. Like I’d seen him yesterday.” He expressed his deepest condolences to Lewis’ partner, Colin, their friends and family, and his beloved Jill and Jae.

*It’s A Sin*, a five-part Channel 4 drama, shattered viewing records upon its release in 2021, attracting over 6.5 million viewers within a month of its premiere. Despite receiving critical acclaim and numerous BAFTA nominations, the series faced initial challenges due to its sensitive subject matter. Davies described it as a “hard sell,” acknowledging the emotional weight of exploring the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on a generation.

The series garnered widespread praise from prominent figures in entertainment, including Graham Norton, who hailed it as "the best five hours of television I've seen in years," and Sir Elton John, who called it "a triumph of creativity and humanity."

The passing of Phil Lewis is a significant loss for the LGBTQ+ community, and his legacy will live on through his contribution to *It’s A Sin*, a powerful and poignant testament to the resilience and spirit of those who faced the challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.