MONDO EXTRAS

della femina: You share what might be charitably called a Doctor Who obsession with Vince; obviously, there's going to be a bit of you in whatever you write, including the characters, but is there any character in Queer as Folk with whom you particularly identify?

Russell T. Davies: No, honestly, I'm always asked this, but they all exist equally in your head -- they've got to, if you're going to write them properly.

della femina: Watching the series as a straight female -- and having heard from loads of friends that its clubs are the most fun -- I developed a deep desire for a night out on Canal Street. At the same time, everybody hates a tourist. Does it annoy you that gay men and lesbians can't keep this one area of their lives for themselves, or do you think people should get over themselves and just have a good time?

Russell T. Davies: Difficult. Depends on the mood I'm in. Sometimes straight people down on Canal Street really pisses me off, sometimes I think it's fine.

That's a long and complicated argument, cos areas like Canal Street are still growing up, and too many people think, stupidly, that growing up means attaining some sort of ideal, like there's a perfect state which can be reached. People don't bloody manage that, why should streets? But we go on imagining that one of two futures is possible: a completely gay space, or perfect assimilation, gay and straight. But the street itself will just ignore all our poncey theories, and go on evolving under its own steam, beyond our control and with no actual end to that evolution; it's a continual process.

della femina: I've just found out that a (boy) friend of a friend is dating Ben Maguire [Christian Hobbs], and I must confess to being a wee bit jealous. Apart from the men of QAF, you've also had the steaming hot likes of Robson Green and Kate Winslet appear in shows you've written. Which cast member(s) did you find particularly appealing?