Duncan James has spoken openly about his painful journey toward self-acceptance, revealing that he once felt so afraid of coming out that he faked relationships with female celebrities like Geri Halliwell and Martine McCutcheon to cover up the truth.
The Blue star, now 47, says that during the height of his fame, he was plagued by fear and shame. Despite being surrounded by rumours, he felt relieved whenever tabloids linked him to female friends—it helped protect his secret.
“It took me years to be comfortable in my own skin,” Duncan admitted. He confessed to feeling like a fraud during Blue’s early Pride performances, knowing he wasn’t being honest about his identity.
His turning point came when he met Rodrigo Reis, his supportive partner of six years. Rodrigo’s unapologetic confidence helped Duncan embrace who he was fully—for the first time, Duncan felt free to hold a partner’s hand in public.
Duncan now proudly performs in drag, calling it “liberating” and comparing the experience to “putting on a camp Superman costume.” He credits friends like Denise van Outen—his Celebrity Gogglebox co-star—with being unwavering allies during his transformation.
Though marriage and children are on the cards, Duncan said they’re in no rush, focusing instead on building a solid post-pandemic future. “We’ll get there when the time is right,” he said.
The singer also opened up about the bullying he faced in school, recalling being attacked just for loving theatre and drama. He said the Catholic guilt and fear of hell haunted him for years, especially when he tried to come out to his mum, Linda.
“It was terrifying. I drank half the minibar before telling her,” Duncan revealed. “She thought I was going to say I had cancer.”
Looking back, Duncan now feels proud and empowered. “There is no normal—we’re all beautifully unique,” he declared. His story, he hopes, can remind others struggling with identity that they’re never alone.
