In an exclusive revelation, Queer Eye's beloved hairstylist Jonathan Van Ness has opened up about what makes British men "really hot," drawing from personal experience after marrying British husband Mark Peacock in 2020. With a decade on the hit show and a deep appreciation for UK culture, Van Ness shares candid thoughts that celebrate British charm and quirks.
The Allure of British Men
Jonathan Van Ness, known for their vibrant personality on Queer Eye, doesn't hold back when praising British men. "Not to be a slut, but my husband is so hot," they told the Mirror. "British men are really hot. Like, my husband is just so cute." This sentiment echoes the global admiration for British stars like Jonathan Bailey, Idris Elba, and Henry Cavill, who have consistently topped lists of the world's sexiest men.
Van Ness, who tied the knot with Mark Peacock six years ago, expressed their joy in an Instagram post at the time: "I got married to my best friend & have a loving partner to continue building my life with." Now, they delve into the specific qualities that make British men stand out.
A Sense of Adventure
One key factor, according to Van Ness, is the British sense of adventure. "I think a lot of British people have a massive sense of adventure that y'all don't get enough credit for," they said. They elaborated on how living in the UK, with its early winter darkness, fosters a resilient and fun-loving spirit. "When you live in London and it's dark at like 4pm, you gotta be down to clown. British people just find their sense of adventure and will walk to a random pub, where there might be something like table tennis. You go on little adventures. That's something that is really fun about you."
The Love of Beans
Van Ness also highlights a culinary passion that wins hearts: baked beans. "I also love that you guys do beans for breakfast," they shared, recounting their first full English breakfast in eighth grade. "But my husband's love of beans for breakfast? It raised it to a whole other level. I keep personalised British Heinz beans in my beauty closet, just in case of some emergency. Like I always have Heinz beans."
In a conspiratorial whisper, Van Ness added, "I don't want to talk about this too loud, but I just like to apologise to England for how much American people talk s*** about English food. Because it's really good. Actually, like I love bangers and mash. I love like, beans." This appreciation underscores their deep connection to British culture through simple, beloved staples.
Upcoming UK Comedy Tour
Jonathan Van Ness is set to return to the UK this year for a comedy tour, promising their "most joyful, irreverent political comedy I've ever done." The show will address the fallout from the 2024 American election, where Donald Trump won, exploring themes of healing in a divided culture. "It's dealing with the fallout from the election of 2024," Van Ness explained. "And what I think we need to do to heal as a culture and people."
The tour will tackle serious issues like misogyny, transphobia, racism, and ageism, while also sharing Van Ness's personal healing journey. "I'm taking on misogyny, I'm taking on transphobia, racism, ageism, and then I'm also talking about my personal healing journey, which has been quite turbulent. I think a lot of people have a lot of questions about what my last few years have been like."
Overcoming Challenges
Van Ness reflected on past struggles, including being used in a $200 million ad for Trump, which they described as "quite traumatising." They admitted to confusing "external validation with self-confidence" and emphasized the importance of focusing on work and art to cope. "I'm aware of when my maladaptive coping strategies have taken the driver's seat, but I've always tried my best."
Discussing the current state of the United States, Van Ness expressed concern for marginalized communities, such as those targeted by ICE and the trans community facing restrictive policies. "I feel guilty for being healthy and safe. And when I mean healthy, I mean literally having access to my medicine, to food and a safe house to live in. I feel guilty just having basic human stuff."
Finding Joy Amidst Adversity
Despite these challenges, Van Ness strives to find and show joy, criticizing online trolling and economic disparity. "We've never had such a wide economic disparity and we need mutual aid - when people are sleeping on the streets, if you've got time to talk s*** to strangers on the internet, but you don't have time to donate cans of food, that's a problem. We've become too comfortable with bullying people."
Their stand-up comedy serves as a therapeutic outlet, creating a "safe space" to explore difficult topics with humor. "My stand-up has created a safe space for me to explore kind of what has happened in a joyful, comedic way." This blend of personal insight and social commentary promises to make their UK tour a must-see event, celebrating resilience and the simple joys of life, much like their admiration for British men and baked beans.
