Chantelle Houghton Announces New Relationship After Prolonged Single Period
Reality television personality Chantelle Houghton has publicly confirmed she is now dating again, ending a self-imposed two-year period of celibacy. The 42-year-old, who achieved unexpected fame by winning Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 despite not being a celebrity at the time, has decided to keep her new partner's identity completely confidential.
From Public Romances to Private Partnership
Houghton explained her decision to maintain privacy about her current relationship, stating: "I think my smile says it all. I have met someone. He's not in the public eye, but that's all I'll say. I feel like all of my relationships have been public." She reflected that only her two pre-fame relationships were truly private, noting they weren't substantial because she was so young during those periods.
The television personality has experienced several high-profile relationships that played out under media scrutiny. She famously married fellow Big Brother contestant Samuel Preston after their time on the show, later dated television presenter Rav Wilding, and welcomed daughter Dolly with Alex Reid, Katie Price's former husband, in 2012.
The Strain of Public Relationships
Speaking candidly to The Sun, Houghton described how public attention affected her previous relationships: "Every relationship I've had since has been in the public eye, and hasn't been mine, almost. Especially with Preston. Preston and I were everybody's, and I get it."
She acknowledged finding public interest flattering but emphasized the challenges: "I understand why people were invested, and I totally found that flattering, but it was hard. It definitely put a strain on the relationship, and that was one of the biggest challenges we faced."
Contentment with Single Life and Natural Progression
Last year, Houghton revealed she had been single for many years following the end of a previous engagement. She told new! magazine: "I have no love life! I've been single for many, many years now because of the circumstances that I was in."
The former model elaborated on her perspective: "I wasn't forced, but I was in circumstances looking after my little girl where I spent a lot of my time alone. I've always said that I'd rather be sitting on the sofa by myself than be sitting on the sofa with someone feeling lonely. There's nothing worse than actually being in a relationship and feeling lonely and unhappy."
Despite her contentment with single life, Houghton remained open to meeting someone special, though she emphasized wanting things to develop naturally: "I'm open to meeting somebody. I'm not closed off from it, but I certainly haven't met anyone that I'd want to progress things with. I don't date, I'm not on any dating apps. If it's going to happen, it will happen naturally."
She humorously added: "Don't get me wrong, I've had a few offers, but I've politely declined. Most of them are really old as well!"
Continued Media Presence and Public Interest
Chantelle Houghton continues to capture public attention nearly two decades after her unexpected Big Brother victory. Her decision to keep her current relationship private marks a significant departure from her previous approach to romance in the public eye, suggesting a desire to protect this new partnership from the strains that affected her past relationships.
The reality star's journey from non-celebrity Big Brother contestant to established television personality has been documented through various relationships and personal developments, with this latest chapter representing her effort to balance public life with private happiness.
