Queer Eye’s fab five reveal who they most – and least – want to make over, how they lost their virginity, how they view modern masculinity, and why they struggle to follow their own advice

Words Joe Stone

Jonathan wears polo shirt by Gucci, jeans, by Frame Denim, boots, by Saint Laurent

Antoni wears top, by Cos, trousers and braces, both by Moschino, necklace, Antoni’s own

Bobby wears coat, by J Lindeberg, polo shirt, by Ben Sherman, trousers by Topman

Karamo wears tracksuit top, by The Kooples, jogging bottoms, by Valentino

Tan wears shirt, by Tods at MR PORTER, jeans, by Topman

Photography Leigh Keily Styling Joseph Kocharian

Look, I admit it. If you’d asked me this time last year, I’d have told you that the world needed a Queer Eye reboot about as much as it needed a Sting and Shaggy duets album (in the end, we got both). Despite giving us the explosion of pure joy that is Carson Kressley, the 2003 version was very much a product of its time, something evidenced by its Hi-NRG soundtrack and reliance on the power of a statement collar. At its core, it leaned heavily on the outdated stereotype that gay men are inherently stylish and tasteful — a fallacy that died out sometime during Elton’s tracksuit era. Queer Eye For The Straight Guy just didn’t feel right for a comeback.

Fast-forward to the present day and my reservations have left the room faster than Melania Trump when Donald gets undressed. From its first episode, it was obvious that the new Queer Eye is a very different show — one that has expanded its scope from proselytising about block colours to singlehandedly dismantling toxic masculinity; somehow managing the magic trick of being woke without being heavy-handed. It’s tackled everything from internalised homophobia to police brutality, with a levity and optimism that makes me think maybe a nuclear apocalypse isn’t the answer to humanities problems after all.

The second instalment promises to be even more diverse than the first, and will feature a transgender man, as well as the first female makeover.

Frankly, they could probably sustain 10 seasons on the strength of Jonathan’s charisma alone (stalking his Instagram has become my preferred method of self-care. Sample caption: “I come in peace, vintage kaftan and gold lurex heels”). In person, the fabbest five since Scary, Ginger, Baby, Sporty and Posh are as excitable as puppies and twice as cute. Attitude’s link- up with them begins in London — minus Jonathan! Where is he? The official line jumps between a “personal commitment” and a “private job” that materialised, and which was too good for him to pass up.

Meanwhile, the media speculates that he’s getting his own show. The other four seem unfazed by their errant little brother.

“We love Jonathan,” reassures Tan as he sits down for his photos, elegantly sipping a cup of coffee in typically calm and composed British fashion.