Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes recently announced publicly that she is gay. Although she’s acknowledged this truth privately for a number of decades, it’s only now that she’s felt able to begin living publicly her authentic self. Having served in the British military at a time when homosexuality was banned, Kelly had always feared serious repercussions, which only intensified when she became a celebrated world class athlete.

In this chat with Fearne, Kelly talks through the painful – and hopeful – journey that’s brought her to a place where she feels confident to live entirely authentically, as well as delving into the mental, emotional, and physical stress of hiding such a huge part of her identity for so long.

Kelly Holmes: Being Me is available to watch back on ITV Hub.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about self harm, so take care while listening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Survival and nothingness