BIG Brother winner Brian Dowling has revealed his infertility torment in an emotional interview and made a "knife in my heart" admission.
The Irish star, 45, and husband Arthur Gourounlian, 43, welcomed daughter Blake Maria Rose last September, through surrogacy with Brian's sister Aoife carrying the baby for them.
Brian found out he was infertile only recently when they started their surrogacy journey.
Speaking on Ireland AM yesterday, he said: "There's a lot to the infertility and this is the first time I'm talking about it on television.
"It's something I have been very embarrassed about, I don't know why I'm embarrassed about it.
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"The issue of the infertility for me is a much bigger issue, and that is of our daughter.
"I'm still her father - when I say I'm infertile, I still have a child. I'm very mindful of the words that I use and the conversation I have.
"I don't want our daughter seeing something when she's older or reading something when she's older."
The Kildare native explained how painful it was to hear people say his daughter Blake looks like Arthur.
Brian said: "The infertility is something I'm still coming to terms with.
"My daughter is the image of Arthur. People would always say to me, 'She's the image of Arthur'.
"It was like a knife in my heart each time people said that because they were unaware of my own issue.
"The control was taking away from me. But now everybody knows the truth about my daughter's DNA. My name is not on her birth cert. It's just my sister Aoife and Arthur."
Surrogacy is currently unregulated in Ireland with parents who avail of overseas surrogacy services left in limbo when it comes to their legal rights with their children.
Last year, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said he'd bring forward new legal amendments early this year that will protect the rights of children born through surrogacy and the welfare of surrogate mothers.
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However, the legislation has still yet to change and Brian called out Stephen for this.
'TERRIFIES ME'
Brian said: "Stephen Donnelly said about 45 or 46 weeks ago that there would be a change coming in, and it would be Parent A, Parent B, Parent 1, Parent 2 - that's not happened. He's talking crap.
"We're [himself and Arthur] in a really good relationship but if anything was to happen between us - the thought of my daughter being taken away from me absolutely terrifies me.
"I'm sick to death and I'm tired of all my life having to wait for a thumbs up from people, or permission from people to live my life and be gay."
Ireland AM shared the clip on Instagram and viewers all praised him for opening up.
Model Nadia Frode said: "You are an amazing father @bprdowling. When Blake grows up and realises what you stand for and fight for on her behalf - she will be unstoppable."
Fiona wrote: "Incredibly well spoken, every single word of this @bprdowling, so proud of you.
"Your beautiful daughter is so lucky to have you guys as her parents! This can’t go on - this has to change now!"
Katie commented: "This is so shocking that in 2023 you are still fighting for equal rights. Great interview and I hope this changes soon."
Another viewer added: "Well said. I’m so sorry you have to fight for something that should be so natural @bprdowlingit’s a disgrace.
"Blake is a very lucky girl to have such wonderful parents. I hope this situation gets sorted ASAP."
