Duncan James feared coming out so much he faked relationship with Spice Girl

Daily Mirror

25-05-2025

EXCLUSIVE: Blue singer Duncan James has opened up about coming out as gay, admitting he used to feign relationships with Geri Halliwell and Martine McCutcheon
Blue icon Duncan James has opened up about the years he spent concealing his sexuality, even going so far as to feign relationships with celebrity friends like Geri Halliwell and Martine McCutcheon.
Yet over the last three years, Duncan has embraced his true self as he performed at Pride events around Britain in makeup and suspenders. The 47-year-old singer has credited his finding his true sense of self to the support from his partner of six years Rodrigo Reis, as well as his close friendship with Denise van Outen.
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Duncan previously reflected on the past with candour: "It has taken me a long time to feel completely comfortable."
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Recalling the intense scrutiny during his time with Blue, he says, "I remember when I was in Blue the first time around, there were all these rumours I was dating my friends Geri, Martine and Tara [Palmer- Tomkinson] and I used to feel relieved."
Despite performing at Pride festivals with Blue, Duncan felt like a fraud: "I was playing Pride with Blue and feeling such a hypocrite because everyone was celebrating their sexuality and I was still in the closet," reports the Mirror.
But now, things have changed for the better. In 2022, he said proudly: "Now I'm performing Blue hits and songs from musical theatre in full drag. I love it."
Embracing the freedom that comes with drag, Duncan says, "Doing drag is so liberating. It's like wearing a very camp Superman costume – you feel so empowered."
He lauds ex-Big Breakfast host Denise, 50, who he appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox with, as an icon and perfect ally.
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Speaking fondly of Denise, Duncan emphasises, "Denise is the ultimate gay icon and ally. Not only is she a strong, independent woman, she's also loyal and never judges you. She is the kind of friend you can tell anything to. She is the kind of girl best mate every gay guy needs."
After struggling with his identity for so long, Duncan expresses his contentment with life: "After years of feeling guilty about my sexuality, I am happy at last."
Opening up about his personal life, Duncan shared: "It wasn't until I met Rodrigo that I really felt comfortable about my sexuality."
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He praised his younger partner's confidence, saying: "He is younger than me and so unapologetic about himself and his sexuality."
Rodrigo's openness marked a turning point for Duncan: "He was the first partner I had who wasn't ashamed to hold my hand."
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Reflecting on past relationships, he revealed: "Other boyfriends didn't want to show any public ­displays of affection in case they were pictured."
The singer, who is also a father, hinted at future plans with Rodrigo: "We have talked about getting married, he says, but emphasised career and financial stability post-pandemic as current priorities.
Duncan has expressed a measured approach to marriage and expanding their family: "I don't feel like we need to rush it. I think we will get married when the time is right."
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On the topic of children, he added: "The same for kids... Rodrigo would love kids but it is not the right time."
Despite societal progress, Duncan believes coming out still presents significant challenges. He candidly discussed his own struggles: "For me, there was a lot of Catholic guilt. It is drummed into you that you are wrong and a sinner."
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Duncan concluded with a reflection on the impact of religious teachings: "Being told as a kid you will go to hell is a lot to have to deal with."
Reflecting on his journey, Duncan confessed: "Thankfully, we now live in a different world to when I came out. But even so, it is one of the scariest things you will ever have to do."
He acknowledged the ongoing challenges, saying: "There is so much fear of rejection – and you don't just have to do it once, you have to do it many times before you feel out and proud."
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Recalling an emotional episode, he shared that he became so distressed about coming out to his mother Linda, she worried he was seriously ill. Explaining the weight of disclosure, he stated: "Even though I am so close to my mum, it was still terrifying."
Duncan recounted how he initially backed out during a holiday in LA: "We were on holiday in LA and I was supposed to tell her but chickened out. She went to bed and I phoned Si [Webbe] who gave me the confidence to go tell her."
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The intensity of the situation was immense for him as he revealed: "I drank half the minibar. I was crying so much. She was just relieved ­because she thought I was going to tell her I had cancer."
Understanding the importance of representation, Duncan discusses the impact of past hardships: "I was called 'f**got' and 'queer boy' ­because I loved drama and musical theatre."
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Talking about the bullying experienced at school, Duncan said: "One boy in particular used to wait for me at the school gate and beat me up."
Reflecting on his reluctance to seek help, he admitted: "I used to go home crying to my mum but was too scared to tell the teachers."
Embracing diversity, Duncan said: "I just wanted to be normal – but now I realise there is no normal. We are all beautifully unique."
Highlighting the significance of Pride, he stressed: "That is why it is so important that Pride is so visible across the world because it shows no one has to feel alone or scared about being who they were born to be."