Jessica Gunning Reveals Celibacy Until 36 Before Coming Out as Gay

Jessica Gunning, the British actress best known for her Emmy-winning role in the Netflix series Baby Reindeer, has revealed that she remained celibate until age 36 and had never been in a romantic relationship before coming out as gay in 2022.

In an interview published this week, the 40-year-old Gunning explained that her lack of romantic experience stemmed from an unacknowledged attraction to women and a deliberate avoidance of relationships with men. "I think it's because I've never been in a relationship before. With anyone," she said. She described growing up surrounded by gay friends but not recognizing her own sexuality, adding, "Everyone around me was gay. I just didn't think I could be."

The realization came suddenly in November 2022 during a casual conversation with another woman who mentioned her own journey as a lesbian. Gunning recalled the moment on a podcast last year: "And then I was, like, I'm gay!" She immediately shared the news with a close friend, who responded without surprise. Her family also supported the revelation, which Gunning described as "a mega, mega thing for me." Reflecting on it, she said she had previously dismissed her disinterest in men by...