In a surprising twist, Michael Portillo, the former politician turned broadcaster, revealed he was rejected by the popular BBC genealogy show, Who Do You Think You Are? During an appearance on Steph’s Packed Lunch in 2021, Portillo shared this startling detail with host Steph McGovern. “I told this story about my father. So, they said, ‘you’ve told that story already,’” he recalled with a hint of disappointment.
Steph chimed in, admitting that she too was passed over for the show. “I think a lot of people get told their family is boring,” she laughed, “I had a meeting with them once and never heard from them again.” This sentiment resonates with many who have felt the sting of being deemed uninteresting in the realm of celebrity genealogy.
Just when you thought Michael Portillo couldn’t be more intriguing, celebrity chef Nigella Lawson admitted she has a bit of a crush on him. In a candid moment, she described being “shockingly” attracted to the star of Great British Railway Journeys. At 65, Lawson noted there’s something undeniably “debauched” about him that draws her in.
Portillo, now 70, has been married to Carolyn Eadie for over 40 years, yet his colorful love life has often made headlines. Back in 1999, amidst swirling rumors about his sexual orientation, he opened up about his past, admitting he had had homosexual experiences. In an interview with The Times, he candidly said, “I will say what I want to say. I had some homosexual experiences as a young person.”
He emphasized that he is now happily married, firmly placing that chapter behind him. “I want to make it perfectly clear that all the time I have been in public life there has been nothing of this sort whatsoever.”
In a reflective piece for the Guardian, Nigella thoughtfully commented on Portillo’s openness, stating it was admirable and not politically damaging. “Call me naïve, but I really thought that we’d moved into an age where such things didn’t matter,” she wrote, questioningly. “Isn’t honesty a better measure of a person’s nature than his sexuality ever could be?”
Her affection didn’t stop there. Nigella openly admitted to having a bit of a thing for Portillo, saying, “I’m the only person I know ready to own up to how attractive he is, in a very highly-charged sexual way.” During their collaboration on a television program, she felt a potent mixture of intrigue and allure about him.
As these revelations continue to unfold, the fascination with Michael Portillo’s life only deepens. Whether it’s rejection from a beloved show, candid discussions about his past, or unexpected attention from a culinary queen, Portillo remains a captivating figure in today’s cultural landscape.