Alan Carr 'outed by Des O'Connor' in first TV appearance – and had to explain to his mum

During his first television appearance on Des O'Connor Tonight, comedian Alan Carr was unexpectedly outed by host Des O'Connor, who made a remark about Carr's sexuality. This incident occurred when Carr was 48 years old and had already been in the public eye, although he described his sexuality as the 'worst kept secret in showbiz.' The comment left Carr shocked, and he later had to explain the situation to his family, particularly his mother, who was left to clarify what O'Connor meant by 'woo hoo.' Carr's career began in the late 1990s, and he gained recognition after winning the Best Newcomer of the Year award at the BBC New Comedy Awards in 2001. His appearance on O'Connor's show was a significant moment in his career, marking his entry into mainstream television. The show, which aired for 23 seasons from 1977 to 2002, provided a platform for many comedians, and Carr's experience highlights the challenges faced by public figures regarding their personal lives. In a separate incident, Carr humorously recounted being outed by a ghost during a Ouija board session with his mother, where the board attempted to spell out 'homosexual.' This anecdote adds a layer of complexity to Carr's experiences with his sexuality and public perception. Today, Carr is a well-known figure in entertainment, hosting his own chat show for 12 years and currently serving as a judge on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, as well as fronting Interior Design Masters for the BBC. His journey reflects the evolving landscape of acceptance and representation in the entertainment industry.