Chantelle Houghton has shared her perspective on her former husband Preston's decision to leave the set of Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Speaking on Paul C Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast, the former Celebrity Big Brother star explained why the singer's walkout was a gesture of respect rather than a mere tantrum.
The "cruel and classist" mockery on Never Mind The Buzzcocks
The incident involving the Ordinary Boys singer occurred when presenter Simon Amstell began reading excerpts from Houghton's autobiography in a mocking tone. According to the report, Houghton was watching the broadcast from the green room when the presenter began making what she described as "embarrassing" and "cringeworthy" jibes.
While a BBC spokesman previously defended the incident as "banter" consistent with the nature of the show, Preston's reaaction was immediate. The singer famously stormed off the set to defend his wife, an act that Houghton says she deeply appreciated because the presenter was attempting to "make a fool of her."
A ten-month marriage shaped by the Celebrity Big Brother whirlwind
The marriage between Houghton and Preston was a direct byproduct of their time on Celebrity Big Brother. The couple became engaged in January 2006, just four months after leaving the house, and wed only four months after their engagement.
Reality television often creates intense, accelerated relationships that struggle to survive the transition to normal life. As reported by the source, Houghton admitted that the pair were "too different" to sustain a long-term union and noted that they likely would never have met or fancied one another in a non-televised setting. They eventually reached an "amicable divorce" after less than a year of marriage.
Preston's shift from 2009 embarrassment to 2026 pride
Preston's personal stance on the walkout has undergone a significant evolution over the last two decades. In 2009, the singer expressed confusion reagrding his behavior, admitting he was "struggling to think" why he had acted so strangely during the broadcast.
However, a more recent reflection shows a much firmer conviction. In January 2026, Preston told The Guardian that he viewed the decision to walk out as a "proud moment," characterizing Simon Amstell's remarks as "cruel and classist ." This shift suggests a growing recognition of the social implications of the mockery he faced on stage.
The unnamed partner and Chantelle Houghton's post-celibacy life
Chantelle Houghton has entered a new chapter of her life after a period of several years of celibacy. She shared that she has found a new partner with whom she feels a sense of "pure love," describing the relationship as easy,comfortable, and reassuring.
While Houghton expresses profound happiness, several details regarding her new relationship remain unverified. The identity of her new partner has been kept strictly out of the public eye, leaving his background and name unknown to the public. Additionally, while the report highlights the "amicable" nature of her divorce from Preston, it does not provide a direct response from Simon Amstell regarding the specific allegations of classist mockery.
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