Channel 4 One of the real-life inspirations behind Russell T. Davies’ hit television series “It’s a Sin” has died, prompting the author to pen an emotional tribute.
The “very popular” drag queen Phil Lewis, who Davies first met at the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre Company, is said to have played a key role in the creation of the HIV/AIDS drama set in the 1980s.
Lewis, affectionately known as Pinky, is said to have been a founding member of the real-life London flat share, which was nicknamed “The Pink Palace” in the 2021 show.
“What a beautiful man,” Davies said in an Instagram post.
“The wonderful Pinky has passed away, what a loss,” the current Doctor Who showrunner posted on Instagram.
“I came to my youth theatre in the 70s. Pinky and his gang were campy, hilarious, wise and brilliant.
“The camp became a way for us to express who we really are – and the Welsh camp is the best!”
After moving to London in the 1980s, Lewis founded The Pink Palace with a group of friends before becoming “a popular drag queen in Brighton”.
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Davies added: “I haven’t seen him for decades – although I’ve heard the stories! – but we all met recently and my God, we laughed. Like I’d seen him yesterday.”
“What a wonderful man. My condolences and love go out to his partner Colin, his friends and family and his beloved Jill and Jae.”
“Night, Pinky, darling xxx.”
The five-part Channel 4 drama “It’s a Sin” broke viewing records when it was first broadcast: within a month of its broadcast, 6.5 million people streamed the series.
Despite rave reviews and multiple Bafta nominations, the film almost never got made, with Davies describing it as a “hard sell” due to its subject matter.
“It’s about people dying and hard work,” he said.
The series also had many celebrity fans who showered it with praise.
Graham Norton described it as “the best five hours of television I’ve seen in years”, while Sir Elton John called it “a triumph of creativity and humanity”.
