Paul Sinha, known for his witty presence as a fan-favorite “chaser” on ITV’s game show “The Chase,” has candidly spoken about the challenging experience of coming out as gay after a malicious prank call revealed his sexuality to his mother. Despite being a well-known television personality, Paul’s sexual orientation had remained private until he accidentally disclosed it during light-hearted banter with the show’s host, Bradley Walsh. Fans, who affectionately called him “The Sinnerman,” were taken by surprise, and this revelation marked a significant turning point in his life.
The comedian recently shared his story on TV presenter Kate Thornton’s podcast, “White Wine Question Time.” Paul recounted the distressing moment when a boozy prank call made at a house party exposed his sexuality to his unsuspecting mother. “Your son’s gay,” the anonymous voice on the other end of the line declared before abruptly hanging up, leaving Paul’s mother to grapple with this unexpected revelation. At the time, he was 24 years old, and though he now humorously references the incident in his comedy routines, he acknowledged that it was an intensely stressful period.
As a member of a relatively conservative Bengali family, Paul’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance was not without its struggles. Despite finding comfort in eventually being “outed” to his mother, he still faced the weight of the early timing and the lack of control over the disclosure. It wasn’t until 11 years later, at the age of 35, that he found the courage to come out to his father. Speaking on the “My Seven Wonders” podcast with Clive Anderson, Paul described this moment as a pivotal event that shaped the course of his life. He acknowledged that the timing of his revelation to his father played a crucial role in the support he received, reflecting on the progress society has made regarding LGBTQ acceptance.
In 2019, Paul Sinha married his partner, Oliver Levy, in a touching ceremony. The wedding marked a joyful celebration of love and acceptance, and Paul expressed his gratitude for the incredible support from friends and family. He emphasized that love and support trumped the challenges he faced, including his recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.
Paul Sinha’s journey is a testament to the courage and resilience of LGBTQ individuals in navigating their paths toward self-acceptance and finding love. His story highlights the importance of creating a supportive and understanding environment for all individuals to embrace their identities without fear or judgment.
