Michael Portillo and his wife Carolyn Eadie have been happily married for more than four decades. The couple met while studying at the University of Cambridge and tied the knot in 1982. Just one month before their 40th wedding anniversary in 2022, the GB News presenter, 72, shared that he and his wife purchased a new home in Andalucia. The former politician and Carolyn bought the home in the southern region of Spain, specifically Carmona, which is approximately 20 minutes outside Seville.

“Carolyn and I have bought a lovely house near Seville,” he divulged. “I have a large number of cousins in Spain and I tend to be the organiser of reunions and parties. I have no surviving close relatives in Scotland but Carolyn does, and we travel north of the border from time to time.”

The couple haven’t shared photos of their Spanish property. After purchasing the home, Michael created a TV series all about the area to give viewers a glimpse into the place he now calls a second home. 

Great Continental Railway Journeys follows the star as he explores Europe’s most historic and enchanting regions by rail, uncovering how nature and history have shaped the continent. 

He was inspired to explore his home for the travel programme after discovering ancient remains underneath the floors of their property.

Writing in The Telegraph in 2023, Michael explained: “Carmona is full of layers of history. In my house, which we’re going to visit in the last programme, I discovered Roman mosaics, Visigothic artifacts, and three beautiful Islamic horseshoe arches from pre 1248. This idea of history is everywhere in layers.”

Back in 1999, Michael revealed he had homosexual experiences when he was younger. He discussed this openly during an interview with The Times, stating: “I will say what I want to say. I had some homosexual experiences as a young person. I am now happily married. That is behind me now.

“I was keen to put to rest the rumours that had been circulating about me and I cannot really believe that what happened a generation ago could be big news.”

He added: “I do not think it was a particularly big burden, and I do not have any regrets. The truth is a good thing.”