Cara Delevingne hopes new TV show about her sexuality will 'help other children'

Cara Delevingne claims making her documentary Planet Sex has changed her life and hopes it will help others struggling with their sexuality like she was.

The model and actress, 30, says she felt suicidal in the past but that filming the BBC series has made her more content than ever.

She said: “It has very much changed my life. Now I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I feel really, really proud of what we created.”

Cara, who is gender fluid and bisexual but has more long-term relation-ships with women, says she struggled with feeling different when growing up and felt suicidal a number of times.

Cara says filming the BBC series has made her more content than ever (WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)

She says on the show: “I couldn’t talk to anyone about it. I had a lot of internalised homophobia and shame. I thought that I was abnormal.

“I thought about ending my life, like I had multiple times, and I’m so glad I didn’t because if I can help any other kid that means the world to me. It means the world to that little queer kid I was. Or I am.”

Cara was signed by modelling agency Storm as a teenager and has since become one of the world’s most photographed women. Films she has acted in include Anna Karenina and Suicide Squad.

She said making the new six-part series about sexuality, desire and attraction has “made me want to be louder about what I believe in. It’s time to stop hiding”.

She says the whole experience was overwhelmingly positive. She said: “I know I shouldn’t feel shame but I truly believe there are souls like me all over the world.”

Cara was single for two years but has found love since filming ended, thought to be with UK singer Minke, real name Leah Mason.

She said: “I think this opened me up into being ready for it.”

Cara also says making Planet Sex has helped her feel more rooted in the LGBTQ+ community. “In the world that I live in, most of my friends are straight,” she said. “I’d never been to Pride before making this show. I have a lot more queer friends now.”

She hopes the BBC3 series, which starts on Thursday at 10pm and also features Berlin-based dancer Darvish, will help viewers be open-minded.

“If we can change anyone’s minds to be more willing to accept themselves, or someone else, that’s all I want,” she explains.