PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF APPLE TV+

“F**k all the way off! I’ve never been so jealous of someone in my entire life,” is how my queer female friend responded when I told her that I would be interviewing Hannah Waddingham.

The Emmy and Olivier-winning actress has cultivated a passionate LGBTQIA+ following over the course of her career, particularly amongst women, thanks to acclaimed roles in Game of Thrones, Sex Education and Ted Lasso. Additionally, Waddingham was “engulfed by this gorgeous wave of support” from non-heteros earlier this year when she slayed as the host of the Eurovision Song Contest. ‘Queer icon’ applies here, definitely.

“Because I’ve been so much part of the theatre community for so many years, the larger part of my friend group is gay. I love the fact that my daughter is awash with the gays. I love it! They are devoted to her. I’m devoted to them,” Waddingham tells GAY TIMES. This holiday season, the acclaimed actress and theatre legend is continuing to have the ‘community’s back’ with Home for Christmas, her new Apple TV+ special premiering on 22 November.

With Waddingham flexing her powerhouse vocals for new renditions of holiday classics, as well as guest performers like Luke Evans, her Ted Lasso co-stars and the London Gay Men’s Chorus, Home for Christmas is a joyous and camp-as-tits extravaganza that is destined to become a festive staple.

Here, we speak with Hannah Waddingham about making the special quintessentially “Wadders”, her “massive soft spot” for the LGBTQIA+ community and why there’s room for more than one “Queen of Christmas”.

Hannah, you look absolutely transcedent, as usual.

Thanks, I made a gentle effort for you.

I tried to also wear a bit of colour…

A festive red.

Is that a background, behind you? Or is it real?

No, it’s an actual… There’s a tree. Apple TV+ don’t muck about, my friend. It’s all tangible things, I could take a bauble off and throw it at you, if you want.