Olly Alexander ignored his media training advice to keep his sexuality to himself. The artist embarked on a public relationship with a fellow musician, and following its end, he remained single for years. However, that might not be the case anymore.
In April 2018, Olly Alexander appeared on "BBC Sounds" and opened up about his sexuality and love life. Born in Yorkshire in July 1990, he grew up next to a church in the English town of Blackpool.
From a young age, the singer knew that in the Bible, homosexuality was viewed as a sin. Still, he couldn't help appreciating the faith's religious iconography and language because he found it "so powerful" and "evocative."
Olly Alexander at the V&A 2023 Summer Party at The V&A on June 21, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The concepts would inspire his music at a later stage. During his chat, he revealed that his sexuality played a role in determining the kind of artist he wanted to be. He idolized pop stars like Britney Spears, Beyonce, and the late George Michael.
"A lot of their work, their music, was about their sexuality," Alexander explained. He noted that that aspect of music was often ignored when it was a straight person. Yet despite the prospect of homophobia, the 33-year-old followed in his idols' footsteps.
Olly Alexander performs at the Mighty Hoopla Festival 2023 on June 04, 2023 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Olly Alexander Owed It to His Younger Self to Be Open about His Sexuality
Although Alexander was affected by the world's lack of acceptance, he had a rebellious spirit that pushed against societal norms. When the Years and Years frontman secured a deal with his band, his media trainer advised him not to come out.
In good conscience, she thought he didn't owe the public his personal life's details. But, as he explained, "I ignored her advice. When a journalist did ask me about my sexuality, I said, 'Yes, I'm gay, and this song is about a man.'"
"I needed to say that for my 15-year-old self. I needed to say to him, 'Look, we are not hiding anymore,'" Alexander continued. He later released the BBC documentary, "Growing Up Gay," chronicling his childhood experiences.
Olly Alexander Once Dated a Straight Man
Alexander recounted his experience dating a straight man during a 2018 interview. The two began as friends, but their relationship became more than platonic. "It felt like we were becoming lovers," Alexander recalled.
"And then suddenly there was an explosion of pain and conflict," he continued. The Years and Years song "Sanctify" was about that experience, with Alexander viewing himself as the devil, tempting his lover into sin, and as an angel, guiding him as he explores his sexuality.
Olly Alexander performs on stage during a concert for War Child, during BRITs Week on February 2, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Olly Alexander Said He Rekindled an Old Flame
Toward the end of his chat on "BBC Sounds," Alexander revealed he was romantically involved with an old flame, though he chose not to share his beau's name. The actor-turned-singer said he was in love after being single for years.
He hasn't shared photos or clips of his boyfriend on social media, but the same can't be said about his former relationship with Clean Bandit violinist Neil Milan. The pair began dating in 2015 and were openly affectionate with one another.
They once kissed onstage during a performance in September 2015. However, a month later, they took a break from their romance as their schedules made it increasingly difficult to see each other. Alexander and Milan reconciled before ending things for good in 2017.
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