I’m a celebrity: Jill Scott opens up on the ‘sad’ problem for gay footballers in men’s football

Jill Scott discussed the issues facing gay male footballers in a post on the latest episode of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

The former England international, who was part of the squad that won the Women’s Euros earlier this year, spoke about sexuality with fellow contenders Boy George and Seann Walsh during a moment of downtime.

“In women’s football, coming out and homosexuality, is it more open? That’s obviously a problem in men’s football,” Walsh said.

“I think it’s so difficult with men,” Scott replied. “When you think about how much they’re pulled away from the chants… it’s just not a safe environment where they feel safe enough to do that. And that’s so sad.

“But yes, in women’s football it’s never an issue. Some have female partners, some are married to men, yes…”

During the discussion, Culture Club singer Boy George also opened up about his own experience of being questioned about his sexual awakening.

He said: “I find it’s more other people asking about it, I’m busy being myself. They often ask, “When did you know you were gay?” It was kind of gradual I guess. For me, it was other kids who called me a girl… ‘You’re a girl’.”

“I knew if I announced it I would be instantly unpopular on the playground, but inside I absolutely thought it was completely normal and that’s what is meant.”

Meanwhile, Scott added: “I think when you get to the point where it’s not a question anymore … in my mind it’s just, you find someone, you fall in love with them, if it’s a woman, a man, but I don’t think it defines you at all.”

Elsewhere in the episode, Sue Cleaver became the third contestant to be voted out of the series.

i am a celebrity continues every night on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.