When I revisit Queer as Folk one of the things that strikes me, in contrast to Russell’s later work, is the near-absence of gay actors. Especially for a series portraying gay men.

“I’m not deliberately casting gay actors,” he tells me. It’s just that I have no problem casting them. I would never cast someone if they weren’t right for the role. In Britain you can’t ask about someone’s sexuality in an audition. When Charlie Hunnam walked in I guess I thought he was gay because surely only a gay man could be so perfect for the part of Nathan. I only found out later he wasn’t, but it was irrelevant at that point. When it comes down to it you always have to go with who’s right for the part.