Olly Alexander, the 35-year-old frontman of English pop sensation Years & Years, has revealed that his teenage years were marked by excessive partying and self-destructive behavior as he wrestled with his sexuality.
Speaking candidly on Mad Sad Bad with Paloma Faith, the singer reflected on a period of his life where freedom, exploration, and denial collided in equal measure.
The Party Years That Shaped Him
Olly described his late teens as “formative” but also chaotic.
He recalled nights stretching into mornings, hopping between Soho bars and East London clubs, ending up at afterparties that would last until dawn.
“Every night felt like a three- or four-day weekend,” he admitted, “and it can go too far… I loved a lot of that time, but I definitely abused my body in ways I’m not sure I’m proud of.”
He emphasized that these years were also about connection and discovery.
Meeting other queer people who embraced their identities helped him envision a version of himself that he had previously suppressed.
Yet, he admitted, he was in denial about his own sexuality until he was 19, only finding the courage to be honest with a close friend.
Facing Fear Through Art
Alexander’s openness continues beyond his teenage misadventures.
He previously credited starring in the acclaimed Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin with helping him confront deep-seated fears around HIV and sex.
Set in 1980s London during the AIDS crisis, the series explores the joy, heartbreak, and tragedy of a gay community facing an epidemic.
Olly played Richie Tozer, a vivacious young man whose life is cut short by the disease, a role that earned critical acclaim and contributed to the series winning a BAFTA TV award.
Reflecting on the experience, Olly said, “I had inherited this fear around HIV and sex, which is connected to the shame I had about being gay.
It helped me unpack all of that… I never understood actors who say they brought their characters home with them until I did.”
Pressures of Coming Out in the Public Eye
Even as a rising star, Alexander faced challenges navigating his public persona.
Early in his career, a media advisor warned him against revealing his sexuality.
“You’d never give that advice now, and it was terrible advice then,” he admitted.
Despite knowing that hiding his truth was not sustainable, it felt like a pivotal fork in the road—an early lesson in the tension between personal honesty and industry expectations.
What’s Next?
Olly Alexander continues to use both his platform and his art to explore themes of identity, sexuality, and mental health.
Fans can catch him on upcoming projects and interviews where he dives further into personal reflections, while also maintaining his role as the energetic lead of Years & Years.
The full interview is available now on Mad Sad Bad with Paloma Faith, offering even more insight into the highs, lows, and lessons of his journey.
Summary
Olly Alexander’s story is one of discovery, struggle, and artistic courage.
From nights of relentless partying to confronting his fears on-screen, he continues to inspire with his honesty about sexuality and self-acceptance.
