Colin is based on one of Russell T Davies’ ex-boyfriends (Picture: Channel 4)

It’s A Sin creator Russell T Davies has revealed that the lovable Colin (played by Callum Scott Howells) is loosely based on one of his former flames.

The five-part series starring Neil Patrick Harris and Years And Years’ Olly Alexander kicked off on Channel 4 tonight and introduced audiences to the sweet and unassuming Colin from Wales, who moves to the capital with the hopes of becoming a Savile Row tailor.

In London, Colin meets his mentor Henry (Patrick Harris), who helps him come to terms with his own sexual orientation.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk about the character, Davies recalled: ‘He was someone I went out with in the 90s who trained to be a tailor and went to New York to fit lords and ladies with their suits and gowns – beautiful man.’

In fact, several of the characters from the Channel 4 drama have links to Davies’ past.

‘A lot of it is based on myself and people I know and stories of the decade,’ he continued.

Davies dated a tailor in the 90s (Picture: Getty)

Colin is a lovable Welsh tailor living in London in the Channel 4 series (Picture: Channel 4)