In a grand celebration of love, community, and hard-won equality, 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of same-sex marriage being legalised in England and Wales. To mark this significant milestone, popular comedian, presenter, and writer Tom Allen is pulling out all the stops to arrange the wedding of a lifetime for a deserving gay couple.
As part of a one-off film commissioned by BBC One and iPlayer, titled “My Big Gay Wedding,” Tom Allen will not only assist the lucky couple in organising the wedding of the year but also delve into the extraordinary journey that led to the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Throughout the documentary, he will have the opportunity to meet and interview inspiring LGBTQ+ trailblazers who played a pivotal role in making this day possible.
Reflecting on his own experiences growing up as a gay man, Tom Allen will contemplate the progress made in advancing gay rights while highlighting the importance of never becoming complacent. To ensure the wedding is a spectacular affair, he will introduce the couple to some of his talented celebrity friends who will contribute their expertise in everything from entertainment to outfits.
“My Big Gay Wedding,” set to be a joyous celebration of love and equality, will culminate in the wedding of the elated couple. Tom Allen, known for his wit and charm, shared his excitement about the project, stating, “The fact that same-sex couples couldn’t get married here just ten years ago means we should never be complacent about the progress we’ve made, and so it’s only right to celebrate it thoroughly. I’m looking forward to making this joyous celebration of love and gay marriage, or garriage as I like to call it.”
Daisy Scalchi, BBC Head of Religion & Ethics, expressed her enthusiasm for the film, saying, “I am so excited about this film. To be celebrating this momentous anniversary with a couple at such an important time in their lives is a privilege. Tom is the perfect person to guide them towards their dream day while reflecting on how we’ve got to now and what that means to so many.”
“My Big Gay Wedding” (working title), a 60-minute documentary, was commissioned by Daisy Scalchi, BBC Head of Religion & Ethics, through the Specialist Factual department, led by Jack Bootle. The production is being undertaken by Minnow Films, with Alicia Kerr and Sophie Leonard serving as Executive Producers, Mike Nicholls as Director, and Dearbhaile Flynn as Producer.
As England and Wales commemorate a decade since the first same-sex wedding, this documentary promises to be a heartfelt tribute to love, progress, and the indomitable spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.
