Loose Women's Kelly Holmes Steps Out with New Girlfriend After Hiding Sexuality for 34 Years

Loose Women's Kelly Holmes made her red carpet debut with her new girlfriend Louise Cullen at the European Diversity Awards 2023, and the couple looked absolutely smitten. The British athlete, who for years kept her sexuality a secret, appeared in a stunning red velvet suit while Louise rocked a red turtle neck sequin maxi dress with a daring thigh-high split.

Breaking Her Silence

Last year, Dame Kelly Holmes bravely opened up about her sexuality for the first time, revealing that she finally feels free after years of living a secret life. During Pride month, she spoke to the Sunday Mirror, recounting the "dark times" when she considered taking her own life. Kelly, who served in the Army, realized she was gay when she was just 17 after kissing another female soldier. However, she chose to hide her true feelings for years and even experienced episodes of self-harm.

Relief and Excitement

In her candid interview, Kelly explained that she felt it was the right time to speak her truth and that she was nervous but also excited to finally do so. She expressed her overwhelming sense of relief and how she sometimes cries tears of joy. Kelly also shared her fear of facing retrospective action for violating the Armed Forces' rules, as she had always believed that admitting her sexuality in the Army would get her into trouble.