Virgin Active Bans Transwomen From Female Changing Rooms After TV Star's Legal Threat - Who is Michelle Dewberry?

A high-profile TV personality has forced one of Britain's biggest gym chains to change its rules over who can use the women's changing rooms. Michelle Dewberry, the outspoken GB News presenter and former Apprentice winner, took on Virgin Active and won.

The decision by Virgin Active comes after a row that began earlier this year and follows a Supreme Court ruling which confirmed that the term 'sex' in the Equality Act refers to biological sex.

How the Row Began

According to the Daily Mail, the dispute began in February 2025 when Dewberry said she walked into the female changing room at her local Virgin Active and found 'a man in women's clothing' getting changed.

She later complained to gym staff, saying she felt 'shocked' and 'vulnerable'. Management responded by apologising that she had 'felt uncomfortable' and explained that 'multiple transgender members' used the facilities.

That response did not satisfy Dewberry. Backed by human rights campaign group Sex Matters, she instructed lawyers to send a formal legal letter to Virgin Active, threatening a claim under the Equality Act. The argument focused on the gym's trans inclusion policy, which allowed biological men, including those identifying as trans or non-binary, to use female-only spaces.

Virgin Active's Policy U-Turn

On Friday morning, Virgin Active members were informed that the company had changed its rules. From now on, anyone using changing rooms marked 'male' or 'female' must use the one that corresponds to their biological sex.

The company said the change was to ensure compliance with the law, citing the FWS v Scottish Ministers case, in which the Supreme Court ruled that the word 'sex' in the Equality Act means biological sex. The judgment clarified that even a Gender Recognition Certificate does not alter that definition.

Virgin Active added that clearer signage would be introduced and stressed that unisex changing rooms remain available for all members.

A Divisive Reaction

The decision provoked strong reactions online. Journalist Owen Jones condemned the move on X/Twitter, describing it as 'a hostile environment' for trans people.

He wrote: 'Trans people are being driven from public life. This is a monstrous injustice.'

Supporters of Dewberry, however, welcomed the move as a victory for women's safety and privacy. According to the Daily Mail, the Equality and Human Rights Commission is expected to confirm that public bodies can lawfully exclude trans women from female-only spaces, ensuring the debate continues.

Michelle Dewberry's Background

Michelle Dewberry first came to public attention in 2006 when she won The Apprentice under Lord Sugar. Since then she has written books, launched businesses, stood for political office and built a career as one of GB News' most outspoken presenters.

Known for her direct style and willingness to take on divisive issues, she has often attracted headlines over her commentary on Brexit, politics and social policy. Now she is at the centre of a legal and cultural battle that has forced one of Britain's largest fitness brands to rewrite its policies.

Whether she is seen as a champion of women's rights or a controversial figure in the culture wars, Dewberry's challenge has reshaped Virgin Active's rules and sparked a national conversation that extends far beyond the gym floor.