Former ITV reality star Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and his husband Scott have been charged by Essex Police with serious offences, including human trafficking for sexual exploitation and rape. The pair, aged 57 and 32 respectively, were taken into custody from their home in Danbury, after multiple properties were searched by the police’s Serious Crime Directorate.
Tipped to appear in ITV’s now-cancelled “Up The Jammers”, Barrie first gained fame as one of Britain’s “first gay dads”, alongside his former partner Tony. Drewitt-Barlow made history in 1999 for listing same-sex parents on birth certificates when they had their twins, Saffron and Aspen.
Following their arrest, a statement from the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the nature of the charges, which include arranging or facilitating travel for exploitation. The pair are set to appear in Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today (8 May).
As the investigation unfolds, Detective Inspector Lydia George urges anyone with information to reach out via the Major Incident Public Portal.
The ITV show “Up The Jammers” was due to focus on Drewitt-Barlow’s ventures with the Maldon & Tiptree football club but has since been pulled from schedules, to be replaced with a wrestling programme. Viewers will not see the millionaire reality star’s story unfold on screen as planned, leaving many in shock over the unfolding legal drama.
This unexpected turn of events sees Barrie and Scott facing a serious legal battle ahead. Keep an eye out for updates as this high-profile case continues to make headlines.