Olly Alexander joins cast of Russell T Davies' new show Boys

Years and Years frontman Olly Alexander is set to star in Russell T Davies new Channel 4 show \'Boys\'.

The \'Play\' hitmaker, whose band share a name with the former \'Doctor Who\' showrunner\'s recent series, has landed the part of

Ritchie Tozer, who lives in London the 1980s\' amid the AIDS crisis.

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Olly admitted he feels like "the luckiest boy in the world" to have landed the gig as a huge fan of Russell\'s work, particularly in \'Queer As Folk\', and admitted his shows "helped shape" his "identity as a gay person".

He tweeted: "I feel like the luckiest boy in the world to be a part of this project, I\'ve been a fan of @Russell_TD ever since I watched Queer As Folk in secret at 14 years old. His work helped shape my identity as a gay person so I\'m absolutely over the moon we\'ll be working together (sic)"

Olly\'s alter-ego\'s friends Roscoe Babatunde and Colin Morris-Jones are played by newcomers Omari Douglas and Callum Scott Howells respectively, whilst \'Years and Years\' star Lydia West plays their close pal Jill Baxter.

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The synopsis reads: "It\'s 1981, the start of a new decade and Ritchie, Roscoe and Colin begin a new life in London.

"Strangers at first, these young gay lads, and their best friend Jill, find themselves thrown together, and soon share each other\'s adventures.

"But a new virus is on the rise, and soon their lives will be tested in ways they never imagined. As the decade passes, and they grow up in the shadow of AIDS, they\'re determined to live and love more fiercely than ever."

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Olly started out as an actor and had a supporting role as Jakob in the final series of teen comedy \'Skins\' in 2013.

The 29-year-old star has admitted he is nervous about his return to acting, which begins on Monday (07.10.19).

He wrote: "Filming starts on Monday and I really hope I remember how to act! ... lol actor Olly begin initiation sequence!!!... happy but a bit scared. (sic)"

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\'Boys\' is also set to star the likes of Keeley Hawes, Stephen Fry, Neil Patrick Harris and Tracy Ann Oberman.