Sir Stephen Fry found himself in the spotlight as he candidly discussed his marriage and faced an intimate question about his sex life during filming for ITV's innovative programme, The Assembly. The comedian and actor, known for roles in Blackadder, participated in the show's second season, following notable celebrities from the first instalment.
A Unique Interview Format
The Assembly features a group of autistic, neurodivergent, and/or learning disabled interviewers who pose questions to celebrities without any topic being off-limits. This setting allowed for a raw and unfiltered conversation with Sir Stephen, who is 68 years old.
Opening Up on Personal Struggles
During the episode, Sir Stephen delved into deeply personal topics, including his mental health battles, a past suicide attempt, and historic drug abuse. He also reflected on his extensive career in entertainment, providing a comprehensive look at his life experiences.
Addressing the Age Gap in His Marriage
One of the key discussions centred on his marriage to Elliott Spencer, who is 30 years his junior. The couple met in 2012 and tied the knot in 2015. Sir Stephen shared that he knew almost immediately that Elliott was the person he wanted to spend his life with.
When asked about critics of age-gap relationships, Sir Stephen responded with empathy and defiance. He expressed pity for those who hold negative opinions, emphasising that love is the only thing that truly matters in a relationship, provided it is mutual and non-exploitative.
He elaborated, "In our relationship, Elliot has all the power really, he makes a lot of the decisions because I trust him. It works for us extremely well. If people don't like it, sod them."
Advice on Finding Love
Sir Stephen also offered advice on finding love in the modern era, noting that many relationships now begin online. He suggested putting oneself out there in safe and happy environments, though he humorously added that he is out of the dating game, having been with his husband for over a decade.
The Direct Sex Question
The interview took a particularly direct turn when Sir Stephen was asked whether he is "a top or a bottom." Laughing off the query, he chose to keep it a mystery, replying, "Wow. That is as direct as it gets, I'm going to leave that for people to guess."
Reflections on Family and Regrets
In a related discussion, Sir Stephen revealed that he and his husband have considered starting a family. He expressed a slight sadness over never having children, calling it the biggest hole in his life experience. Despite many opportunities and discussions, they never pursued it formally, leaving it as a regret among others in his life.
He said, "I've been fortunate to have done so many things, but I'll never experience a child growing up. Elliot and I talked about it, but we never got as far as visiting a clinic. It was always 'Yeah, it would be nice, wouldn't it?' So that's probably that."
Broadcast Details
The Assembly episode featuring Sir Stephen Fry airs at 10:05 PM on Wednesday, 8th April, on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player. This programme continues to provide a platform for honest and revealing conversations with public figures.
