Who is Ariyon Bakare, star of gay drama Mr. Loverman?

The creator and star of the new BBC drama Mr. Loverman have defended the show’s casting following controversy over the practice of casting straight actors in gay roles.

Mr. Loverman set in London and explores sexuality and race in Britain’s Caribbean community.

Based on the Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name by Bernadine Evaristo, it follows 74-year-old Barrington “Barry” Jedidiah Walker (Lennie James), who has an affair with his best friend Morris De La Roux (Ariyon Bakare). ), although he was married to his wife Carmel Walker (Sharon D Clarke).

Evaristo recently told Radio Times that she believes “the roles should be given to the best actor for the role.”

“From my position as the author of the book, I want it to go to the person who can play the role, and it doesn’t matter whether they are gay or not,” she said.

In the same interview, Lennie James said he was hesitant about whether he was right for the role of Barry because he wasn’t gay himself, but believed he did his best to do the role justice.

He also rejected the idea that there should be “blanket bans” on straight actors playing LGBTQ+ roles.

However, Ariyon Bakare has not addressed the issue yet and in fact has never addressed his sexuality. However, what we know about Bakare is fascinating.

He has an impressive acting resume, with appearances in a number of iconic British TV shows – if you’re watching, that is Mr. Loverman and at the end I think: “What else have I seen this actor in?” You are spoiled for choice when it comes to the answer.

Here are some other important facts about Ariyon Bakare.