‘Big Brother’ viewers have rushed to praise housemate Cameron Cole after he came out as gay to friend Lewis Flanagan.
Fans of the Channel 5 reality show have seen the 18-year-old struggling to express his sexuality over the last few weeks, but he finally felt ready speak out it properly during Friday’s episode.
During a conversation with Lewis, who has always encouraged him to be his authentic self, Cameron said he felt stressed he had not dealt with things before entering the house, especially following Cian Carrigan’s recent admission he fancied him.
“It’s my own fault for not sorting out the situation before I came in,” he told his friend.
After Lewis told him he only needed to speak about it when he was ready, Cameron continued: “The last four years I’ve been waiting to be ready but you’re never really ready... sometimes you gotta say ‘fuck it’ and just do it.”
Lewis then offered to help Cameron saying the words aloud, before Cameron then urged his friend to ask him “the question”.
“Are you gay?” Lewis said, to which Cameron replied: “Yes,” adding Lewis was one of the first people he had told.
“Now my whole world changes forever.”
The moment was celebrated by Emma Willis and the eviction crowd outside the house, while viewers at home praised Cameron’s braveness.
While Cameron has been worried about what his family may think, his father later appeared in the audience of spin-off show ‘Bit On The Side’, offering reassurance.
He explained that while his family had thought they knew about Cameron’s sexuality, they also knew it was something he would open up to them about when he was ready.
‘Big Brother’ continues on Sunday at 10pm on Channel 5.
Useful websites and helplines:
- London Lesbian & Gay switchboard (LLGS) is a free confidential support & information helpline for LGBT communities throughout the UK | 0300 330 0630
- Manchester Lesbian and Gay Switchboard is a free support, information and referral service for the Manchester and North-West area | 0161 235 8000
- Stonewall for more information on other LGBT services and helplines | 08000 502020