Interview by Madeleine Ringer
Advocate, presenter, Bafta and Emmy award winner, Nikki Lilly has an impressive list of career titles attached to her - and she’s not slowing down anytime soon. Whether you’ve seen her at fashion week, in ELLE’s ‘40 for 40’, or speaking at the United Nations, Nikki is a woman on the go, both physically and career-wise. And the best part? She’s only going up.
In early March this year, you spoke to the UN about your experience with social media and society’s high dependence on face-recognition technologies, and appealed to the Council to invest in accessible digital systems for all, and for social media platforms to shield abuse from its users. What’s your advice for young girls with disabilities using these platforms?
Social media can be a lifeline and a form of escapism, but it also comes with challenges, especially when you’re living with a health condition or disability. My biggest piece of advice is to be kind to yourself and set boundaries. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for who you are or what you’re going through. Try to shift your focus away from likes and comments… they don’t define your value.You don’t need to shrink yourself to fit into anyone else’s expectations.
These platforms can be powerful tools to connect, express, and advocate, but protecting your peace is just as important. Block and report when you need to, and lean on people in your circle if it ever gets too much. Your voice matters, especially in spaces that often try to ignore it. No one’s perception of you holds more value than your own. I always say: harness your disabilities and differences as your superpowers. You never know who’s watching and who needs to see you show up exactly as you are.
You recently hosted Netflix’s Women in Film night at Soho House! What was your experience like and why is this subject so close to your heart?
It was surreal and such an honour to be chosen to host that panel. I just wanted to do it justice; being surrounded by powerhouse women, each of them part of something much bigger than themselves, was so moving. I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to shift culture, and women deserve the space to lead that shift.
Sharing the room with Erin [Doherty], Faye [Marsay], Christine [Tremarco], and Fatima [Bojang] was incredibly special. They each delivered masterclasses in strength and vulnerability through their performances in Adolescence - a show that couldn’t be more urgent or timely. They embodied their characters so truthfully, and the series is a raw reflection of what so many young people are facing today, especially due to the dark rabbit holes of online extremism, toxic masculinity, and incel culture. It’s heartbreaking and real.
Adolescence isn’t just a show, I think it’s a mirror. It came at a time when conversations like these aren’t just important, they’re urgent. It’s some of the most powerful storytelling I’ve seen in years, and you can already see the ripple effects in Parliament, in schools, and in communities. That’s how vital media is as a vehicle for change.
We need more shows that don’t just entertain but challenge and provoke. This one doesn’t offer easy answers, and that’s the point. It forces society to look at itself and ask, “What are we doing? What needs to change?” I give the biggest round of applause to Netflix and to the women behind this project. It was beautiful to witness different generations of women supporting one another and shining so brightly. It was a true privilege. I’d love to do more work like this. It brings together two things I love: presenting and having conversations that matter.
You’ve had your fair share of presenting, interviewing, and exciting campaigns; has there been one standout, ultimate “pinch me” moment?
Ooh, that’s a tough one, because I’ve been lucky to experience a few, but speaking at the UN earlier this year tops everything so far. To be standing at that podium, knowing I was advocating not just for myself, but for so many others who’ve been overlooked for far too long - it was emotional, to say the least. I still get chills thinking about it. I never take moments like that for granted. Little Nikki, pressing record on her camera in her bedroom, never could’ve imagined she’d one day be speaking to the world. It was also the first time the UN spotlighted this particular topic, which made it feel even more monumental.
There truly are no words for how nervous I was, but I knew it was bigger than me. I wanted to represent those who haven’t been heard. To advocate for tech and social media systems that are accessible, safe, and inclusive for everyone. The world would be so dull without difference. And I don’t want anyone else falling through the cracks of a society that hasn’t been built to hold them.
I’m a huge fan of your style, it’s so effortlessly femme. If you had to wear one item from your wardrobe for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That’s such a lovely compliment, thank you! Honestly, it doesn’t always feel effortless, but I think true style comes from wearing what makes you feel good and not overthinking it. I used to care way too much about what others thought, but now I dress for me.
If I had to choose just one item, it would definitely be my oversized leather jacket I found in a charity shop. It’s not designer, but it makes me feel confident, cool, and pulled together even on low-energy days. It’s timeless, versatile, and just a bit of a comfort piece at this point.
We’ve not even half way through the year yet and you’ve already had so much going on! What can we expect for the remaining months?
It’s been a busy start for sure! I’m working on some exciting new things that I hope will have a longer-term impact, like deepening my role with Face Equality International and continuing to spotlight disability awareness and youth mental health in all the spaces I can. I’m also hoping to develop more documentaries focused on stories that haven’t been told but need to be heard. I’d love to continue presenting too, it’s a space I genuinely enjoy and feel like I can grow in. I’m sure there’ll be some fun fashion moments in the mix as well.
Honestly, I don’t always know exactly what’s coming next. I barely know what I’m doing tomorrow half the time! But whatever I do, I want it to feel fulfilling and meaningful. I hope I can keep making a small impact, sparking hope, and reminding people that change is possible, even if it starts with just one voice.
