Former Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has made waves on Celebrity Big Brother after candidly discussing his unconventional love life for the first time.
Entering the house as the fourth contestant, the openly bisexual politician didn’t hold back during a conversation with Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard, revealing that he’s been in a long-term relationship for 35 years – while at the same time also maintaining several “deep friendships.”
Opening up during Tuesday night’s episode, Michael, 74, subtly referenced his long-standing connection with former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, whom he originally met at an Oxford University reunion. While he didn’t mention Andy by name, he alluded to an open arrangement, explaining that he often takes separate holidays with different friends.
“I’ve never been in the closet,” he said. And when his fellow Celebrity Big Brother housemate JoJo Siwa asked whether he was currently in a relationship, Michael replied: “It’s complicated. I have someone who I have known for 35 years who’s 13 years younger than me. But I also have, and this is even more complicated, two friends and we all go on holiday separately with me or not.”
Drag Race UK star Danny then asked him directly: “Would you call that an open relationship? Because I actually think a lot of gay people like that and a lot of straight people don’t understand it.” Michael seemed to agree, nodding before clarifying: “I would maybe say I’ve got very deep friendships. That would maybe be more tactful.”
The admission stunned viewers and sent social media into a frenzy. Reactions poured as one viewer quipped: “Michael Fabricant has THREE boyfriends. And I can’t even get one.” Another echoed: “Not Michael Fabricant being in a polyamorous relationship… and with THAT hair….what is going on.”
Someone else added: “Shaking at Michael Fabricant and Andy Street’s open relationship. Never saw that coming and I mean NEVER.” While another Celebrity Big Brother fan shared: “Just had to explain to my very traditional, vanilla Dad in layman’s terms what Michael was talking about regarding his ‘friendships’ and honestly I think I’ve taken about five years off his life.”
In the past, Michael has acknowledged his connection with Andy Street, describing them as “very close” while also stating that they “lead separate lives.” Back in 2021, he told GB News that the two were “life partners.”
Fabricant represented Lichfield from 1992 until 2024, when he lost his seat in the general election. During his political career, he served under Boris Johnson, whom he once called a “visionary,” adding that Johnson would be “hard to replace” after stepping down as Conservative leader.
As a mark of recognition, Michael was knighted in Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list and received his title in December 2023. Despite his political accolades, his Celebrity Big Brother debut was far from warmly received as he walked into the house on Monday night to what was described as the “loudest arrival boos ever.”
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