We caught up with Flavia Lamaro, who you’ll know as the iconic housekeeper from series 2 of I Kissed a Girl. She became a fan favourite in the Masseria, and she told us all about life between London and Rome, what Dannii Minogue is really like behind the scenes, and the one Italian phrase every sapphic should learn before their next holiday.
Back in series 1 we chatted to the original housekeeper, Sara Fregosi, so it only felt right to keep the tradition going.
So, tell us a bit about yourself – who is Flavia when she’s not keeping the Masseria in order? (And yes, the lesbians will need your star sign.)
Hello! I’m Flavia, housekeeper of the beautiful Masseria and, supposedly, there to keep the girls in order. Looking back, I think that may have been an overly ambitious job description.
I was born and raised in Rome and then moved to London alone eight years ago for boarding school. I stayed for university, then work, and before I knew it, London had completely become home. Even though my family is all in Italy, my friends are here, my life is here, and despite many years of trying, my Italian accent is very much here too.
By day, I work as a brand manager for a streetwear brand. By night, I was the Masseria housekeeper. For someone who loves clothes, being committed to one outfit every day felt like exposure therapy.
Outside of work, you’ll probably find me somewhere between East London and Soho with friends, either out for a drink or on a very serious thrifting or shopping mission. I’m so proud to be part of London’s queer community. It’s given me some of my closest friendships and always made me feel accepted and able to be completely myself.
And because the lesbians need to know, I’m an Aquarius. I’ve been told that explains a lot, although whether that’s a good thing depends on who you ask ahahah!
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How did you end up becoming the Masseria’s new housekeeper? Did you know about the show before you got the call?
They actually reached out to me on Instagram about the opportunity, and I was buzzing. I remember seeing the message and thinking, “Wait… is this real?” Once I realised it was, my answer was pretty much an immediate yes.
Of course, I already knew the show. I’d watched series 1 when it came out and genuinely loved it. Amy and Georgia were definitely two of my favourites, and it was so refreshing to see a dating show centred around queer women. There really isn’t enough of that on TV.
Being asked to be part of series 2 felt a bit surreal. One minute you’re watching the show from your sofa, and the next you’re actually in the Masseria. It was one of those opportunities that felt too good to turn down. Ending up there myself was a bit mad, in the best possible way.
What’s the single most useful (or most dangerous) Italian phrase for flirting? And which one should every sapphic reading this learn before their next holiday?
The most dangerous one is probably “Ti va di bere un bicchiere di vino?”, which means “Would you like to go for a glass of wine?” It sounds innocent enough, but I think most Italians know that’s rarely ever just about the wine.
And then “Mi fai perdere la testa,” which means “You make me lose my head.” It’s dramatic, but Italians love a bit of drama when it comes to flirting. They want to feel wanted like that.
Every sapphic heading to Italy should definitely learn both. Use them responsibly!!!
Series 1’s housekeeper Sara told us she had to stay “professional” when we asked who she’d kiss. We’ll ask you the same: if you’d been a contestant rather than staff, who would you have gone in for?
I’m going to follow Sara’s lead on this one. I can’t say too much, guys, I’m sorry. I’m keeping that one between me and the Masseria walls.
You split your life between London and Rome – how do the queer scenes compare? Where should we be going out in each city?
London and Rome have very different queer scenes. London is much more open and visible, there are queer events all over the city, every weekend, for every kind of music and vibe. You can have a big night out or something more chilled in a pub or community space.
Rome isn’t as visible, but it’s there if you know where to look. The “Gay Street” near the Colosseum is very small, just a short stretch with a few bars, so I’d also recommend looking beyond that.
Pigneto is a good area to check out, it’s a neighbourhood with a younger, more alternative and creative crowd. Places like Tuba, and nights like Latte Fresco, GIAM and POPPE are worth looking up. And if you’re there in summer, look up Gay Village, it’s Rome’s big outdoor LGBTQ+ festival, with music, performances, parties and that slightly chaotic Italian summer energy.
What was it really like behind the scenes with Dannii and the girls – any moments that didn’t make the edit that you wish had?
Being on set was honestly so fun. Dannii was amazing, she really believes in the show and understands how important it is for representation, which made it feel really special. She has such a calm and charming energy, and I absolutely loved being around her.
With the girls, there was a lot of banter. Every time I walked in, there was always some kind of joke or little moment happening. You don’t get to see all of that because obviously the show has to fit into an edit, but there were so many funny bits.
I’m still gutted some of them didn’t make it in. They had me do a confessional room moment where it was just me chatting nonsense, and I’m sorry, but I thought it was hilarious. There was also a moment where I went into the girls’ bedroom and somehow ended up giving them a very serious blanket-folding lesson. Truly unnecessary, but very funny.
I wish more of that had made the edit, because there was so much humour and warmth behind the scenes.
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This was the second and final series of I Kissed a Girl. What did being part of it mean to you, and what do you think the show gave queer women that nothing else on TV has?
Being part of it honestly meant so much to me. I’ve seen so many comments from younger queer girls saying the show helped them feel seen, or helped them understand themselves a little bit more, and that really moved me.
I always think, if 15-year-old Flavia had been able to watch something like I Kissed a Girl on TV, maybe understanding who I was and coming out would have felt a little less scary.
What the show gave queer women was the full picture. It wasn’t just about coming out or being a side storyline, it showed friendships, vulnerability, flirting, heartbreak, chaos, softness and support. It showed queer women taking up space and being celebrated for all of it.
I’m sad it was the final series, but I’m really proud I got to be part of something that clearly meant so much to the community.
And the question everyone’s asking: are you dating anyone?
I’m single at the moment, just enjoying life and seeing what happens.
Thanks for chatting to us Flavia.
Nonchalant x
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This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
