'ITV's Big Boys is Gavin & Stacey but gayer and greater - I finally feel seen'

There's no 'what ifs', no blurred lines, no secret desire to confess their undying love for eachother - it's just two boys leaning on each other when things get tough. This platonic bond sometimes feels a little sore, as so many of us compartmentalise parts of ourselves to become more likeable and digestible. So, to see a platonic friendship where both parties are truly themselves feels groundbreakingly bittersweet.

It might sound like a bar-on-the-ground level of praise, but the 'bromosexual' relationship is seldom given any air time. Gay men are often stripped of their duality: categorised as either the popular girl's asexual sidekick or the hedonistic partygoer. Shows catered towards a younger audience (think Love, Simon and Heartstopper) put the focus on coming out rather than being out - or make sexuality the central theme of the show (which isn't necessarily a bad thing).

But Big Boys feels like it's booted open the doors that have remained shut despite an increase in LGBTQ media. It shows our funny side, serious side, and fashionably questionable sides in all their glory. Throughout all three seasons, the show, written by Jack Rooke, was never afraid to deal with the hard stuff. But, gut-wrenching scenes about the death of a loved one or the harrowing reality of dementia are perfectly balanced with so-called 'low-culture' references about previous X Factor contestants (love you, Gamu) or bygone celebs like Dick and Dom.

It is this that makes Big Boys so special. It taps into the formula that makes legendary shows like Gavin & Stacey so addictively quotable and re-watchable: ordinary people, extraordinary stories. There's no 007 shootout or dramatic plot twists; none of the characters are unremarkable or otherworldly. In fact, there's something mundane and average about the semi-fictional world, in the best way possible.

It's real, and celebrates the small things (Costco birthday cakes, Mecca Bingo, a kebab after a night out) which makes those harder-to-watch scenes even more provoking. Season three goes bigger and harder, with the last episode splicing reality with what could have been in an incredible but heartbreaking way. Grab the tissues, because you'll need them.

Of course, Corinne (Izuka Hoyle) deserves a special mention/ all the praise for showing how women will always be the backbone of any gay man's messy life. She is the perfect amalgamation of all the female friends and family members who have shaken my shoulders and slapped me around the face when needed.

Big Boys touches on subjects such as suicide. If you need someone to talk to, you can call the Samaritans any time, day or night, on 116 123

Big Boys Season 3 is now available to stream on All 4.