VIRGIN Media star Brian Dowling has opened up about the moment he came out as gay while on Big Brother – and embracing him mum for the first time afterwards.
The TV icon lit up screens across Ireland and the UK back in 2001 when he entered the second-ever series of the hit reality show.
Brian has opened up about his Big Brother journey[/caption]
He revealed the special moment he shared with his mum after Big Brother[/caption]
After 64 days in the house, Brian emerged victorious and was crowned the winner.
The dad-of-two joined the Loose Women panel yesterday where he spoke candidly about his Big Brother journey.
The Irish star recalled how he came out as gay while on the show – but revealed it was actually his sister who told his parents.
Panellist Coleen Nolan asked: “Didn’t you come out on Big Brother?”
Brian replied: “I did the show in 2001 and my sister told my parents I was gay. I was afraid to tell them in case they had a bad reaction.”
He also admitted that before he went on the show, his mum had assumed he was “fashionable”.
The popular presenter said: “I got off a flight from Italy when I was working with Ryanair and my mum asked me was I being fashionable.
“I was like, ‘No, no mum, I’m not being fashionable’.”
He added: “And then I was on the show and then when I won the show I just couldn’t wait to get to the end, it’s a really long walkway, and just to hug my mum.
“I embraced her then, kind of the first time as my authentic self, as her gay son.”
Loose Women shared the clip to their Instagram and wrote: “Big Brother legend, Brian Dowling, talks about the first embrace with his mum after coming out as gay on the show.”
Fans and friends flocked to the comment section to share their love for Brian.
Brian’s co-host Katja Mia said: “Been a star!”
His husband Arthur Gourounlian wrote: “So proud.”
Missy gushed: “Love Brian since his 1st day on Big Brother. A very funny, kind, likeable guy.”
Peter commented: “Such an inspiration – back then and now.”
‘SO GENUINE’
Another added: “He’s so genuine, a lovely guy.”
The Six O’Clock Show host first crossed paths with his Dancing With The Stars judge husband Arthur in 2002.
Arthur and Brian dated for four and a half years before breaking up in 2006.
They eventually rekindled their romance in 2011 before Arthur popped the question in 2014.
The happy couple tied the knot the following July in a stunning ceremony at Powerscourt Co Wicklow, surrounded by family, friends and famous faces.
In a recent interview with the Irish Independent, Arthur revealed that it was actually him who ended the relationship and did so over text message.
Although he doesn’t “remember exactly” what he wrote, Arthur explained: “But I said that I don’t want to carry on any more and that it’s not working. It was a very straightforward message.”
The dad-of-two then opened up further and revealed some of the reasons for their breakup.
