‘I wanted to normalise the process’: Robbie on sharing his coming out journey on MIC

Being in uni, trying to reach deadlines, figuring out London, oh and throw a famous reality show in the mix while you’re at it. Robbie Mullett made his debut on Made in Chelsea earlier in May this year while also being a UCL law student. We spoke to Robbie about his life as a London student as well as his impact on the show as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

How did you become part of Made in Chelsea?

Well, I was already in the social circle and I didn’t have much better to do because it was lockdown so why not? Though it was quite nerve-wracking at first!

Have you ever been noticed on campus?

On campus? No! Someone hasn’t run up to me like, “oh my god!” No, that hasn’t happened. People are aware I am on the show and that is fine. There was a funny moment however when I was speaking to my friend and after two girls had ran up to him asking how he knew me!

The Tab: So, indirectly recognised?

Yeah, like super fans of the show. I have been spotted in public and that is a novel experience. It is always good fun, probably because I love speaking to strangers.

Do you feel famous?

No, no absolutely not!

The Tab: Not even a little bit?

Well, it’s so much fun hanging around with my more established cast members, because when I’m with them I certainly do not get recognised at all. But they handle the spotlight with grace.

Law’s intense. Is it hard balancing filming and work?

Yeah I suppose it is. But if you want to get something done, you should ask a busy person, because they know how to stick to their schedule.

The Tab: And you don’t?

And I don’t. The reason I got into law is actually quite interesting. I did jury service when I was 18 not really having any sense of direction in life, you know, wasn’t doing too well in college. I remember at the end of the trial I was completely inspired by the barrister’s closing speech and decided that [law] was worth pursuing.

Where do you hang out most at UCL?

Bentham House (the Law faculty) because if I have a question, I’m with fellow law students, so it’s perfect.

Student centre or Law library?

I do gravitate towards the student centre but I couldn’t say.

In your opinion, do you think that there is a big LGBTQ+ community at UCL?

I did recently attend a RUMS LGBTQ+ event and I loved it. I don’t know if any other subjects have this in particular but it was great to see a sense of community at UCL.

What impact do you think you have on this show for the LGBTQ+ community?

Look, I’m definitely not a trailblazer. But I was so happy to receive the feedback on the moment that I shared with Ollie.

The Tab: What sort of feedback did you get?

It was from all different people. I had a grandmother telling me about how she wants her grandkids to come out and know that its okay but doesn’t know if it’s her place to say. I was quite blessed to have received a wonderful message on Instagram. It was from a viewer who came out to everyone but their father. Upon hearing my story about how well my father received the news and how accepting he was, this person said that they came out to their Dad after ten years of hiding, because of my scene. It was incredible to read that.

There is an immense privilege that comes with being on national television and being able to share these moments makes it so worthwhile. It is not a privilege that I take lightly.  

Have you joined any societies?

It’s going to be disappointing but I haven’t joined anything because I don’t have Facebook! Although, I am part of Law society.

So are we going to be seeing you making an appearance on sports night at Scala?

What’s sports night? Darling, I don’t do sports. I literally have two left feet so no sports for me!

Made in Chelsea means you know how to party. Where’s the best place to party in London?

To tell you the truth and let you in on a little secret: if I am going to go out, I am going to go to Soho. That is where I want to be! As a gay man, living in London, you cannot beat Soho. As much as I love Mayfair and Chelsea there is nowhere I feel more accepted in. The diversity makes it more vibrant and alive. There are glowing lights, great bars, good fun and good people. 

Before coming to UCL, where did you grow up?

Prior to London, I lived in Essex and it was a very countrified way of life compared to now.

What was it like coming out back home?

Do you know what, I initially came out to all my friends and they received it very well. My dad was also very accepting, and I am eternally grateful to be surrounded by such supportive people. But where I feel most at home is in London.

And how was the transition from home to London?

The diversity in London simply does not compare to anywhere else. You see people walking down the streets wearing whatever they like and it is embraced. Being gay is celebrated and sadly not as much in Essex.

You share a pretty emotional part of your life on the show. What made you want to share your coming out journey on Made in Chelsea?

I am very conscious of the fact that this is an experience that affects a lot of people in the country. Even though the LGBTQ+ is a minority, in terms of the actual numbers there are loads of us! I am wary that a bunch of people watch the show for a bit of light-hearted entertainment, but actually some viewers may be questioning their sexuality themselves or haven’t yet had the confidence to come out.  

I shared my coming out journey because it meant a lot to me. It was a defining moment in terms of my confidence. No longer having to hide behind a fake, straight persona because I was scared of people knowing the truth. I am happy to be a flamboyant, fabulous, gay man, that I always knew I was underneath.  

I wanted to share this extra confidence to those who have not yet come out – to normalise the process.

Do you think the show has made you more confident?

100 per cent. In so many ways I have gained confidence especially after that scene. My story being out in the open makes me very proud.

Lastly, where do you see yourself after your degree? Reality star or powerhouse lawyer?

It is definitely hard to call it at this stage especially still being young. I believe that everything happens for a reason and so where I end up is where I end up. Currently, I am very happy juggling both.

Made in Chelsea continues Mondays at 9PM on E4

Featured Image: Instagram: @robbie.mullett

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