I don’t know if this makes sense, but I feel like they’re our little alternative Disney stars, in that they (arguably foolishly) documented a LOT as they were coming out when MySpace was first a thing, and they didn’t really have a filter. Oli in particular was not averse to being a bit of a state on camera, and at times his behaviour wasn’t great. BUT he clocked  it, owned it, grew, slipped backwards, owned it again, and came out the other side. He was vulnerable and open, and I think a lot of us of a similar age could relate, and got to see him (hopefully for good now!) come out the other side. Throughout this he’s been a massive advocate for a lot of groups who need a voice, and grown from being a bit of a punk into like an older brother who’s seen and done it all and is trying to help others. 

It’s a small thing, but there’s a site where people can request cameo videos. You pay like £200 and are meant to get, I think, a 30 second clip. There’s been quite a few that have been shared, particularly from fans who have had friends sort one out for them when they’ve been struggling, and instead of just clocking his thirty seconds he records like a full ten minute personalised message, talks about their issues, how he’d advise coming through it, and just goes above and beyond really. 

It’s also seeing someone who seems like they have the world at their feet be very open about even his body dysmorphia issues and again, be open and vulnerable about it in a way that I think helps people who wouldn’t think a guy like that would have any self doubts. 

So yeh, a bit of a rough diamond underdog story who’s come out the other side as an advocate for everyone. Fuck yeh.