S Poddar
Comedian Joe Lycett addressed a lot of speculation and stunned reactions about his latest bombshell announcement that he has a baby. Earlier this month, Lycett posted the shock news, which triggered various speculations about his sexual orientation and even opinions that the news could have been just one of his sharp pranks.
The Bafta-winning comedian, whose show is Late Night with Lycett, discussed the reactions while speaking on the Parenting Hell podcast hosted by Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe. Lycett, 46, has been an open book about his pansexuality- that is, attraction towards people regardless of their gender. It was in this interview he called himself bisexual, which layered another element in the firing line of public curiosity.
Reflecting on why the news came as a surprise to so many, Lycett said, “It’s unexpected for me to have a baby because lots of people think of me as the gay bloke off the telly.”
The initial announcement left many fans wondering if this was indeed one of Lycett’s infamous stunts. This is because over the years, the comedian has become known for the most elaborate pranks-just the other day while protesting the company targeting small businesses over trademark claims, he temporarily changed his name to Hugo Boss. However, Lycett was swift in clarifying that this time, the announcement was genuine.
Speaking candidly about his first experiences with fatherhood, Lycett revealed that it’s been an emotional journey. “I’ve done a lot of, I mean less so now, but the first sort of two weeks I did a lot of crying,” he admitted. “I did a lot of nostalgia for the future and imagined what he would be like when he was 20 and then worried about him when he’s an old man and I can’t be there for him.”
While the identity of the baby’s mother is not public, Lycett did take time to sing her praises, referring to her as someone who has quickly adapted to motherhood. “She’s taken to it like a duck to water,” he told the podcast interviewees.
Lycett had previously shared some information about his relationship, saying that he referred publicly to his partner as Denise, but he cannot give all the details and has kept her identity off the public eye. Earlier this year he spoke in an appearance on The Pieces podcast with Drag Race star Bimini Bon-Boulash, “So I’ve got Winston the cat, and my partner Denise. And, um, she’s not called Denise, but I don’t talk about her, because she has a job that she can’t be in the public eye.”
The comedian’s personal life usually takes a back seat to his career, which is a mix of humor and activism. Yet, with this declaration, fans have finally caught a glimpse of his private world, offering something as tender and human from a figure that always calls up wit and irreverence.
Lycett’s honesty about the emotional challenges and joys of parenthood resonated with many people. The side rarely seen of this person was made visible, because he never seemed to do anything but laugh in interviews. His fans will continue to support him during this new chapter, such as they did when this artist blended humor and vulnerability in such a believable way.
For Lycett, the journey of fatherhood is still unfolding, while the initial surprise may have thrown some in a loop, his open and honest attitude has made news all the more lovable.
