Page 32 of Going Solo (The Brent Boys #2)

COLE LIKES POLE!

Britain’s prince of pop Cole Kennedy is gay.

Kennedy released a short statement on his social media accounts overnight, announcing his new sexuality. It’s unclear if Kennedy had been backed into a corner, but it appears the surprise announcement was the 22-year-old’s own decision.

“Music is all about authenticity, and it’s time to be honest with my fans—I am a gay man,” he said.

“I’m choosing to come out now out of respect for our fans, respect for my art, and most of all, out of respect for myself.

“Most people know I’ve had a difficult time over the past year. I want to thank everyone for their support and understanding. Coming out is the next step in my journey, as I try to live authentically.”

The shock news is sure to hit Kennedy’s primarily female fan base hard. The Kenneddicts often turn up to Go Tos shows with placards declaring they’re “marriage material.” How will his female fans respond now Kennedy has gone from heart-throb to heartbreaker?

And how must the “marriage material” guy himself, Toby Lyngstad, be feeling right now? Could reality TV’s ultimate long shot love declaration finally pay off for the Essex hairdresser?

Lyngstad wasn’t in when The Bulletin stopped by his Colchester home last night to get his reaction, but a family member, Cheryl Hitchen, was on hand to shower our photographer with a glass of rosé (pictured).

Five and a half years after winning Make Me a Pop Star