Celebs Go Dating star Ella Morgan has shared why she was surprised by the show in a tender moment.
The reality star, who had previously appeared on Married at First Sight UK, is part of the line-up – alongside Chris Taylor, Jamelia, Tristan Phipps, Stephen Webb and Helen Flanagan – for the 13th series of the E4 show, which sees a batch of celebrities attempt to find love.
Following the opening mixer – which sees the celebrities mingle with members of the public – and her first date, Ella was called into the agency office alongside Chris as she talked with experts Paul C Brunson and Anna Williamson.
Related: MAFS UK’s Ella Morgan reflects on “life-changing” Celebs Go Dating journey
Outlining that she felt nervous at the idea of going to a mixer as a trans woman, Ella revealed that she was pleasantly surprised by the attitudes on display, sharing: “I was thinking: ‘This is a minefield as a trans person.’
“I think I spoke to Luke, and he was like: ‘Yeah, I’ve never been with somebody like you but it doesn’t bother me.’ And I was shocked that people would so openly talk to me in public and not be ashamed of me or embarrassed.
“I thought this wasn’t going to be a heavy conversation,” she added as she began to tear up. “I think it’s just because, for most of my life, I couldn’t start dating until I felt physically comfortable in myself. People reject you or they don’t want to get to know you.
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“You’re just used as a sexual fetish – it whittles away any confidence that I had in myself. I can take it if somebody doesn’t fancy me because of my hair or if I’m too fake, but when it’s: ‘You’re perfect for me but you’re trans.’ I cannot help but take that personally.”
It seemed that Ella may have a promising connection on the show, with the star striking up a bond with Danny. Chris, a former Love Island star, fared less well with Sukaina, with the pair leaving on frosty terms after their double date, which took place with Ella and Danny.
Celebs Go Dating airs on E4.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
