A new voice in the entertainment industry, Ellis Howard, has been recognized as part of the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough list, which was announced on October 3, 2023. The Liverpool native has garnered acclaim for his role in the BBC drama What It Feels Like for a Girl, a story that explores the complexities of a queer teenager navigating their gender identity amid a backdrop of party culture and substance use. The series is based on the memoir of journalist Paris Lees and has caught the attention of audiences and critics alike.
Born and raised in Liverpool, Howard’s journey in acting has seen him train at The Guildhall School and participate in significant productions, including the 2022 horror series Red Rose and his West End debut in Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. His performance in What It Feels Like for a Girl has marked a turning point in his career, earning him wider recognition.
Reflections on Success and Future Aspirations
In a recent conversation, Howard expressed his excitement about being part of the BAFTA Breakthrough program. “I feel BAFTA is such an incredible institution at the very heart of our culture,” he said. “To be recognized and supported by them is just such an honor. I feel so proud of What It Feels Like for a Girl, my breakthrough project.”
Howard plays the character Byron, who embarks on an emotional journey throughout the series. He described the responsibility of portraying such a complex role, emphasizing the opportunity it provided to explore his own experiences. “I felt this tremendous responsibility, but also this opportunity, to come at this role with all of my trauma and triumph,” he noted.
The actor views his inclusion in the BAFTA program as a chance to connect with other creative individuals. “What was so incredible about What It Feels Like for a Girl was that this was someone’s passion project,” he explained, highlighting the importance of collaboration in the arts. He aims to meet more exciting writers and filmmakers, hoping that the support from BAFTA will open new doors for him.
Exploring Themes of Identity and Ambition
Howard’s commitment to exploring themes of queerness and class is evident in his work. He stated, “What What It Feels Like for a Girl did so incredibly well was look at both queerness and class and the intersection of those two things.” He aims to continue delving into these subjects while expanding his horizons to include a variety of roles, from period pieces to complex characters in contemporary dramas.
The young actor expressed a desire to portray ambitious figures, inspired by shows like Industry and Succession. “Those characters are complex and ruthless, and I’m like, God, I really want to get my teeth into parts like that,” he said, reflecting his eagerness to challenge himself in new and exciting ways.
Despite his rising fame, Howard emphasized the need for wider distribution of What It Feels Like for a Girl in the United States. “We need this anarchic, punk queer show over in the States just to ruffle some feathers,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of diverse narratives in contemporary media.
As Ellis Howard continues to make strides in his career, his story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of representation and the impact of authentic storytelling in the arts.
