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Michael Fabricant, Former MP, Joins Celebrity Big Brother Amidst Hair Speculation and Past Controversies
Michael Fabricant, the former Conservative Member of Parliament known for his distinctive blond hair and outspoken nature, has entered the cast of Celebrity Big Brother. Fabricant, aged 74, has long been a subject of public and political intrigue, particularly regarding persistent rumours about whether his signature hairstyle is natural or a wig.
Decades of Wig Rumours
Despite consistently denying that he wears a wig, speculation about Fabricant’s hair has followed him throughout his prominent career in Westminster. In a 2014 interview with the Mirror, he acknowledged “some – but only some – enhancement of the follicular area,” yet this statement did little to quell the ongoing chatter concerning his appearance.
Parliamentary Hair Incident
In 2019, the hair debate resurfaced publicly when fellow Tory MP Huw Merriman appeared to gesture towards Fabricant’s hair during Prime Minister’s Questions. This incident forced Fabricant to once again address the rumours and defend his image.
Fabricant responded to the incident involving his colleague, suggesting Merriman’s actions were ill-considered. He commented to the BBC that Merriman, being a newer and perhaps less experienced MP, may not have realised that Prime Minister’s Questions is televised, implying a more mature conduct would have been expected otherwise.
“My Hair is Me”
Fabricant has often declared a strong connection to his hairstyle, famously stating, “my hair is me.” This sentiment was underscored during an appearance on Celebrity First Dates, where his date playfully suggested he should “get rid of [the wig],” a proposition he seemingly resisted.
Controversies Beyond Hairstyle
Beyond the hair speculation, Fabricant is also recognised for his flamboyant personality, which has, throughout his 30-year political tenure, been intertwined with various contentious episodes.
Islamophobic Tweet and Public Backlash
In 2018, Fabricant faced accusations after sharing a tweet deemed Islamophobic, which featured London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Although he subsequently removed the image and issued an apology, the incident triggered significant criticism from individuals who disapproved of his sharing the offensive content.
Fabricant maintained he had not properly viewed the image before retweeting it. He explained that he was preoccupied in a meeting and viewed the tweet on a small phone screen, failing to recognise its true nature. He asserted he would never intentionally post a racist or Islamophobic tweet to offend.
Past Gaffes
Fabricant’s history of controversial moments includes using inappropriate language in the House of Commons during a 2016 Brexit debate. Additionally, in 2021, he apologised to educators and nurses after suggesting they were enjoying “quiet drinks” in staff rooms during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Celebrity Big Brother Appearance
Now, Fabricant is poised to once again capture headlines as a participant in Celebrity Big Brother. Ahead of the reality show’s premiere, a source revealed to MailOnline, “He doesn’t hold back, he’s going to be compulsive viewing, we can’t wait. We wanted a top politician but one with enormous personality which would entertain the viewers.” His appearance is anticipated to bring considerable attention and viewership to the program.