OHMYGOSSIP — John Whaite was reduced to tears as he recalled his school teacher outing him as gay to his family before he was ready.
Before performing his Couple’s Choice routine to Adele’s ‘Hometown Glory’ with professional dance partner Johannes Radebe during the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ semi-final on Saturday night (11.12.21), the former ‘Great British Bake Off’ winner shared the heartbreaking story in a pre-recorded segment about his upbringing in Wigan, Lancashire, North England.
He explained: “Johannes and I are dancing our Couple’s Choice.
“I grew up on a farm just outside of Wigan in Lancashire. In the morning I would get up, feed the calves and then go to school. I’m very grateful for the upbringing that I’ve had.
He said: “My family and I are so close.”
His sister Jane said: “When we were younger, he was just like the average little brother. It’s amazing really that John would end up on the television.”
John was bullied for being “camp” and is thankful to his siblings for “fighting” his corner.
He recalled while in tears: “My family first learned that I was gay when I was about 14, 15. I told a teacher at school in confidence, and the teacher told my family, which I wasn’t ready for.”
He added: “I remember my sister said to me, ‘We love you, you’re our brother and we love you no matter what you are’.
“When I was younger I was bullied quite a bit at school for being quite camp, and my sisters did not put up with that. To have them fighting my corner … that counterbalanced every single word of hate.”
Source: VacationHunter.Online