John Whaite pays tribute to husband after swapping daytime TV for OnlyFans
John Whaite has revealed how much he made while on OnlyFans. (Getty/Instagram/@john_whaite)
John Whaite has revealed how much he made while on OnlyFans. (Getty/Instagram/@john_whaite)
John Whaite has paid tribute to his husband after making the move away from TV to a career on OnlyFans.
The Great British Bake Off winner has held a number of roles across daytime and primetime television. As well as winning the baking show which brought him to the public’s attention he’s worked on Steph’s Packed Lunch and was a part of the first all male-couple on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021.
Whaite announced in February that he had officially joined OnlyFans, a platform often used by adult content creators. This was in addition to running his brownie business, Ruff Puff Brownies. Shortly after, Whaite claimed he’d lost commercial partnerships with household name brands, which he’s playfully made jabs at.
Speaking to Gay Times, Whaite delved more into the decisions behind his career pivot, explaining that it wasn’t about money but about freedom – both personally and from the TV industry, which he described as “manipulative.”
In discussing what comes next Whaite said he’d now “done everything I’ve wanted to do in terms of career.” He said that Bake Off and Strictly had taught him “that happiness isn’t contingent on success or on financial success,” as he had both and had been “deeply unhappy.” Whaite has been open in the past about personal issues, including body dysmorphia and bulimia.
Continuing, Whaite said: “The thing that I’m most proud of in my life, without a shadow of a doubt, is the fact that my husband and I have been through 18 years of togetherness. When we got married we had all the mentions of ‘I give myself to you’ taken out of the script.
“There was no ownership involved in our wedding vows. We’re growing as individuals but side by side like two strong oak trees. I think that is the thing I’m most proud of, that I get to experience a relationship that is founded on mutuality and sincere respect for one another.” He also said of his partner, “He’s my favourite human being.”
Whaite and his partner, graphic designer Paul Atkins, married last year. The two have been together now for 18 years.
“All that I want from my life is to have more time with him,” said Whaite, adding: “He’s the reason I work so hard. He’s the reason I feel unashamed in walking the earth as the person I am.”
Whaite also revealed that he had auditioned for a pornography company when he was at university. The performer was coy about confirming reports he makes up to £75,000 a month via OnlyFans, but he happily discussed wanting his content to be rooted in intimacy, not sex.
“I’m tired of the rough, aggressive outlets that are out there. It’s important to show a softer side to sexuality. Don’t get me wrong: there’s a place for rough and ready, but that’s much more performative,” he told Gay Times.
