Joe Lycett has said viewers of the new series of Celebrity Traitors are about to see a very different side to him, admitting his off-stage personality is far removed from the flamboyant persona many associate with the comedian.
The 38-year-old star, who has previously spoken publicly about being bisexual, said he is often perceived as "the gay comedian off the telly" but regularly finds himself correcting assumptions about his personal life.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the BBC's second Celebrity Traitors series, Lycett revealed that he has a female partner and a son, and described himself as "quite a tranquil individual" away from the spotlight.
The comedian will join 20 other celebrities when they enter Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands for the latest instalment of the hit reality competition, hosted by Claudia Winkleman.
Reflecting on how fellow contestants might react to his quieter nature, Lycett said the contrast between his public and private selves could potentially raise suspicions in a game built on deception.
"When I started doing stand-up, my on and off-stage persona were quite similar," he explained. "I showed off at parties because I wanted attention and then, gradually, as I got that attention through doing stand-up, I could calm down in real life.
"When I'm not out on stage I'm very calm, thoughtful and peaceful. I think the comics know what I'm like on and off stage, but I think the others who, for the first time, will spend time with me not in 'show mode', might see that as suspicious."
Lycett added: "I definitely come across assumptions of, 'Oh, he's the gay comedian off the telly', and I explain I've got a female partner and a son with said female partner.
"I'm really quite a tranquil individual when not in performance mode, which may surprise some."
The comic also revealed he would prefer to begin the competition as one of the Faithfuls rather than a Traitor, although he would welcome the chance to be recruited later in the series.
"I want to start as a Faithful and then be converted," he said. "I think I'd find it very stressful being a Traitor, but I think you only get one chance to have a go at it, don't you?
"Being a Faithful is probably a much nicer experience because you don't have all the cognitive load of having to lie all the time, and you get to go to bed earlier."
Lycett is among a star-studded cast that includes actor Michael Sheen, former EastEnders star Ross Kemp, comedian and actress Miranda Hart and a host of other celebrity contestants hoping to outwit their rivals.
The new series of Celebrity Traitors begins on BBC One on 1 October
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