Daniel Brocklebank – better known to many as Coronation Street’s Billy Mayhew – has spoken out about his teenage struggles with his sexuality.
The actor recently spoke to the Gay Times, explaining how he ‘hated himself’ for his feelings at first.
Speaking about coming out at the age of 15, the praised actor explained how he always felt ‘different’ from his school peers, but initially couldn’t figure out why.
The now 36-year-old explained that coming out to his mum felt like he’d ripped off a plaster.
With a lack of representation of homosexuality in the media and education in schools, Daniel explains:
"I was 12-years-old the first time I actually realised that I was gay. Back then there was no internet, very few gay people on TV or in the media, and we weren't taught about homosexuality in school.
“For a while I thought I might be the only person out there who felt like that.
“I hated myself for it and hoped it was a phase."
Poor Daniel! Luckily, the soap star reassured fans he now feels comfortable in his own skin, saying that he loves who he is.
So do we Daniel, so do we!
The actor, who has played his role in Corrie since December 2014 as Billy, a homosexual vicar, previously revealed he received abuse for his character.
He told the Mirror:
“We’re here to cause some sort of stir and you’re never going to please everyone. Some of the religious viewers so far have not been too happy.
“A woman came up to me in a supermarket three days ago telling me I was going to go to hell playing a gay vicar. The show itself has had a backlash.”
And in April last year, he told the This Morning hosts:
"It's been quite interesting. I knew very little about the Church of England's stance on gay clergy or anything of that nature.
"That's what soap is for, to highlight issues. It's predominantly about entertainment but if we can educate and broaden people's horizons."
We hope so too, Daniel.
*Main image credit: Ray Tang/REX/Shutterstock *