What demisexual means as I’m A Celeb star Tulisa admits to years of celibacy

On Nov 20, 2024

I’m A Celeb is often a great way to watch some of our favourite famous faces of past and present get candid around the campfire – including Tulisa Contostavlos, who recently surprised fans with an admission about her sexuality.

The former X-Factor judge and N-Dubz star, 36, spent some time away from the public eye after going through a tough time; including the infamous fake drug bust, a video leak and managing her health with Bell’s Palsy, which is a neurological condition that causes weakness or paralysis on just one side of the face.

But, she’s now ready to show the world who the real ‘The Female Boss’ is after stepping into the limelight once again for the ITV show.

And she hasn’t held back on in the first week of setting up camp in the Australian jungle as she discussed what she considers her ‘type’. Though, it’s not exactly straightforward.

In the frank chat about celibacy amongst fellow campmates, Tulisa announced that she identifies as ‘demisexual’ and that meeting someone new makes her “physically sick.”

After an unsuccessful run on dating app Raya, designed for celebrities and high-profile names to meet, Tulisa divulged more on her love life – or lack of.

“Even though I’ve been on there, I’ve never gone on an actual date with anyone on there,” she explained. “I’m proper guarded.

“I feel like I’m demisexual, I need to have a really close emotional bond with someone…I need actual depth. I’m a slow, slow burner. I’ve been celibate for over three years.”

However, it looks like I’m A Celeb fans did not have a clue about demisexuality. One Twitter (X) user wrote: “It’s not even 08:30 and I’ve learned a new word today…demisexual. I think that’s a good start to Wednesday.”

Another added: “Tulisa openly talking about being demisexual on I’m A Celeb tonight was so refreshing!! Literally never seen it being talked about on mainstream media before!”

So, what actually is demisexual? Well, if you’re still not in the know, then it’s a sexual orientation where you do not experience any sexual attraction until you have formed a strong bond, or none at all.

Instead of having the hots for someone’s looks and wanting to bed them, being demisexual is all about building an emotional connection with another. It’s not necessarily a choice, but regardless, it’s the inability to feel a sexual attraction until you really know that person.

It is also thought that demisexuals rarely experience sexual attraction at all, but experience attraction through emotional means. The term ‘demisexual’ is relatively new, with it only being coined back in 2006 so not many people know about it.

People are now praising Tulisa for speaking about her sexual orientation on prime-time TV, and some are admitting that the celeb has helped them realise they are too demisexual.

On social media, one user shared: “Think I just realised I’m demisexual. I’ve been celibate for three years and I’ve always said it’s about the connection for me. So maybe this is me.”

A second added: “Oh my god this is me!” While a third shared: “Actually love Tulisa for talking about being demisexual.”

Tulisa said that she has been “building” friendships during her search for love. She added: “I have got friendships that I am building.”

Before Tulisa went on I’m a Celeb, she opened up about her ‘hell’ after dealing with a bout of struggles. The singer said: “You either fight or you fall and so I’ve overcome things that, you know, I didn’t realise I was capable of overcoming.”