ITV has pulled a documentary featuring Barrie Drewitt-Barlow after his Essex home was raided by police investigating allegations of rape and human trafficking. The broadcaster confirmed that the six-part series 'Up The Jammers' would no longer air on ITV4 or ITVX as previously scheduled.
Police Raid and Arrests
Officers forced entry into the property on Wednesday morning by knocking through a wooden fence. Forensic units were seen searching the modern mansion near Danbury, with multiple police vehicles on the driveway. Essex Police later confirmed that two men, aged 57 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of rape, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and administering a noxious substance. Searches were also carried out at properties in Braintree and Maldon.
Investigation Details
Detective Inspector Lydia George, leading the investigation, urged anyone with information to contact the Major Incident Public Portal. The suspects remain in custody for questioning.
Drewitt-Barlow's Background
Drewitt-Barlow, Britain's first openly gay football club owner, purchased non-league Maldon and Tiptree FC in February. He and his ex-husband made headlines in 1999 as one of the first gay couples in the UK to have children via surrogacy. The entrepreneur, worth an estimated £40 million, has appeared on shows such as 'Rich House, Poor House' and 'Below Deck Sailing Yacht'.
The documentary 'Up The Jammers' was set to chronicle his first year as club owner, aiming to take the team to the English Football League within four years. ITV said the decision to pull the show followed the police raid.
Previous Comments on Gay Footballers
Drewitt-Barlow previously claimed to have been approached by secretly gay Premier League players, though he expressed reluctance to become a 'poster boy for gay footballing', stating that leagues and the FA should normalise coming out.
