Russell T Davies unveils cover for memoir The Queerest of Folk
Davies promises behind-the-scenes stories from a four-decade television career, including new revelations about Doctor Who and Kylie Minogue
By Callum Wells
Russell T Davies has unveiled the cover of his forthcoming memoir The Queerest of Folk, a love letter to British television spanning his remarkable 40-year career.
Published by Bantam on 8 October 2026, the hardback memoir promises an outspoken and often humorous look behind the scenes of some of Britain’s biggest television productions, charting Davies’ journey from children’s television to becoming one of the UK’s most influential screenwriters.
Best known for creating Queer as Folk and It’s a Sin, as well as reviving Doctor Who for the BBC in 2005, Davies reflects on the triumphs, challenges and personalities that have defined his career.
Behind-the-scenes stories from British television
According to the publisher, The Queerest of Folk is an oral history packed with fresh revelations and anecdotes from Davies’ decades in television.
Readers can expect stories ranging from singing with Kylie Minogue and receiving a phone call from Sir Elton John to working alongside Helen Mirren, Simon Cowell, David Tennant and Billie Piper. The memoir also revisits Davies’ work across series including EastEnders, Emmerdale, Queer as Folk, Doctor Who and It’s a Sin.
The book also explores his pioneering role in bringing LGBTQ+ stories into the mainstream, including the creation of Queer as Folk, the backlash it received and how its groundbreaking sex scenes came together.
Russell T Davies reflects on Doctor Who and TV writing
Alongside personal stories, Davies discusses his philosophy of television writing, offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at how British television is made and explains his decision to step away from Doctor Who.
Described by Bantam as “a passionate manifesto for British TV”, the memoir celebrates the medium’s power to bring audiences together while reflecting on the industry’s evolution over four decades.
The Queerest of Folk by Russell T Davies is published in hardback by Bantam on 8 October 2026.