2010 TV Preview: 'Lip Service'

Next up in our 2010 TV Preview is a lesbian-flavoured drama from BBC Three called Lip Service, which is aiming to be bigger, better and bolder than the legendary L Word.

Set in contemporary Glasgow, the series follows the loves and lives of three twentysomething gay women, played by Laura Fraser, Fiona Button, and former Spooks star Ruta Gedmintas. Ex-Hollyoaker Roxanne McKee also appears as a "glamorous but cheesy" television presenter who has the hots for Button's Tess.

Could Lip Service be a hit next year? Recently, we caught up with Polly Williams, one of the producers on the show, to find out more.

What can you tell us about Lip Service?
"It's a relationship drama - six episodes - and the three lead characters are gay women. It's set in Glasgow and they're in their late twenties, kind of that age where you're facing big commitments and doing more serious things with your life - or not! It's when you're on the cusp of being a proper grown up. It's very accessible and real. It's not glamorous. It's more a drama than a comedy, but it is properly funny at times."

Do you think its a good representation of gay women in 2009/10?
"Yeah, I think it is, and the key thing is that it's not an issue-led drama. Something like The L Word will deal with big, lesbian issues whereas we're more contemporary - much more in tune with sexuality today. It's people who just happen to be gay. We don't make a big deal of coming out, or a lesbian couple having a baby."

Do you feel under pressure to represent the community well?
"I think particularly Harriet - the writer - who is gay herself, is under extreme pressure to do that. And we have to be faithful and realistic. We want it to be something that a gay audience can recognise and enjoy."

How important is it for gay and lesbian dramas to be on TV?
"I think it's very important - it's very under-represented. Apart from The L Word, I can't think of another contemporary lesbian drama. It's high time for one really."

Is there a show - past or present - that it's comparable to?
"I'd say there are similarities with Queer As Folk in that it's quite audacious and bold. I'd also say it's very funny and This Life is reasonably similar to it. And Attachments. It's not like Mistresses or The L Word where they're glossy and it's a TV world - this is much more real. I wouldn't say it's uber-gritty either. It's quite sexy."

Who are the main characters in the series?
"Frankie is a very sexy, androgynous woman who comes back to Glasgow and there's a big love story that runs through the episodes for her. There's also a mystery for her which runs through the series. It's about her trying to work out her true identity. Then there's Cat, played by Laura Fraser, who's a neurotic character dealing with getting over heartbreak and moving on. And then there's Tess, who's more of a comedic character. She's an actress but she never gets any gigs! She's always doing crappy auditions and she hangs around with Ed, who is Cat's younger brother, and they're quite a funny duo."

Roxanne McKee's involved as well, isn't she?
"Yeah, she plays a cheesy, local daytime TV presenter who has been straight until this point, but really fancies Tess."

Will the show feature any gay men?
"No - we've got two male actors who are part of the core cast: Jay, who is a real bad boy, but he's really good friends with the gang. It's about making the show not having all gays hanging out together - it's more real than that. And then Ed, who is the younger brother of Cat. He's straight as well."

Does the series end in a way that invites a second run?
"Yeah - we leave it on a bit of a cliffhanger, so we're hoping there's potential for a second series. Hopefully, if people like the characters and they engage with it, it's something that could run for several series. That's the intention!"

Does Lip Service appeal to you? Add your comments to this entry below!