I’m A Celeb star reveals sexuality

The model, 28, who currently appears on Ten’s I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!, told Sydney Confidential that she had hidden her sexuality until recently because it had been “shamed” out of her when she was in school.

“It is something I have felt for a very long time,” Thattil told Confidential.

“I grew up having crushes on girls in school and just completely invalidated it because of religion and also because there were many homophobic sentiments in my school around being a lesbian, around anything other than heteronormativity. You don’t have a lot of bisexual visibility in popular culture and so you don’t understand what it is.”

Thattil – who was Miss Universe Australia in 2020 – explained that her last relationship ended two years ago, which prompted her to start “exploring and dating women”.

While she is yet to have a serious relationship with a woman, she said she has “dated women casually”.

Meanwhile, Thattil has struck up a romance with British reality star Joey Essex since entering the jungle.

During a recent episode, Thattil was heard talking about qualities she looks for in a potential partner, as the pair held hands.

“I like people who are adventurous, creative and open,” Thattil said.

Essex responded: “I’ve pretty much got all those things haven’t I? I’m just saying. If there was like a piece of paper with all the boxes I reckon every one would be ticked.”

The TOWIE star later said in a confessional: “It’s nice to have someone in here who I can talk to, who I can be with in a friendly way but at the same time, something is there.”

During her own confessional, Thattil mirrored Essex’s sentiments.

“I think we’ve hit it off really, really well. We’re having great conversation. It’s really lovely. He is very charming,” she said.

I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! continues Sunday from 7pm AEDT on Channel 10.

Originally published as I’m A Celeb star Maria Thattil reveals sexuality