Big Brother star Frankie makes 'painful' admission after coming out on TV

Warning: This article contains discussion of LGBTQ+ issues which some readers may find distressing.

Big Brother UK got emotional last night when housemate Frankie Taber broke down in tears as he came out as bisexual.

The 23-year-old marketing manager from London is among the 16 people who’ve taken a leap of faith to be part of the ultimate social experiment.

Airing on ITV, the fourth series of the revamped reality TV show kicked off on Sunday (13 September), and there’s already been heaps of drama.

But among the chaos, viewers were left in tears after Frankie opened up about his sexuality in the diary room to Big Brother, revealing that he came on the show to come out.

In Tuesday night’s episode (15 September), he woke up upset and told some of his fellow housemates that he’d gone to bed on ‘a really big low’ but didn’t reveal the reason why.

He later confided in Big Brother and said: “I needed to get it off my chest. I came on the show to come out, because I’m bisexual.

“I’ve been in pain for so long - probably a year and a half or two years - just from the guilt and shame that I’m carrying from it.”

Heartbreakingly, he broke down in tears as he continued: “I just feel like I’ve let down a lot of people. ‘I’m just upset, and I’m obviously worried as well,’ revealing he’s nervous about how it will be received ‘in the outside world’.

Frankie said: “Some people might not want to be friends anymore. Some people want to avoid me, not be around me; I guess it’s a little bit sad.”

Revealing why he decided to take such a big step on TV, he explained that he felt ‘comfortable’ in the Big Brother setting.

Viewers rushed to social media to react to the tear-jerking moment, with one writing: “It’s clear Frankie has been around a lot of toxic masculinity on the outside, and being with such a diverse cast has made him immediately comfortable it’s a pleasure to see #BBUK.”

A second added: “Cor, emotional watching Frankie tonight. Coming out as bisexual on public television while carrying the weight of worrying about your friends' reactions is a monumental thing to do. Incredibly proud of him for being his true self. #BBUK.”

While a third wrote: “Frankie crying in the diary room truly broke me. That feeling is so real #bbuk.”

A fourth agreed: “Wow, Frankie’s diary room entry about his sexuality is v powerful, sure so many can resonate with that, brave of him. Big respect to him #bbuk.”

A fifth chimed in with: “As a Bi guy, seeing Frankie on #bbuk come out, explain his feelings and fears means so much, especially such a rise in biphobia towards bi men. This is why representation matters.”

And a sixth agreed: “Really feel for Frankie & just want to give him the biggest hug. Hate that we still live in a world where people feel fear or shame for their sexuality. Anyone who doesn't want to be his friend on the outside anymore was never a real one in the first place. #bbuk.”

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]