Dancing on Ice’s Matt Evers has come out as gay.
The professional ice skater has admitted he began to question his sexuality after he watched his uncle – who died from an AIDs-related illness over 20 years ago – be "banished" from his family prior to his passing due to their strict religious beliefs.
Speaking to Attitude magazine, he said: "He was part of the original San Francisco and New York Fire Island crowd back in the 70s and 80s.
"I didn’t know I was gay at the time, but when he was dying it hit me really hard that he didn’t know the love of his mum, my grandmother.
"They were strict Catholics at the tip of the Bible belt. I wasn’t aware of why his passing and the thought of him never being accepted by his own family hurt me so much until I realised I was gay. It’s scary, the difference between generations."
The 41-year-old hunk – who was previously married to a woman – was inspired to come out as gay after Donald Trump, who he brands a "bully", became President of the US because he wants young people in America to face their feelings.
He explained: "Donald Trump has given a voice to the bullies. Trump himself is a bully and I’m very outspoken about that. I live my life by example, and I want to show young people that what you feel or how you were born isn’t something bad."
Meanwhile, Matt is set to grace UK screens this weekend as he guides Candice Brown through the first live show of the ‘Dancing on Ice’ reboot and he has admitted he’s thrilled that he has been given the opportunity to slip back into his skates.
Taking to his Instagram account earlier this week, he said: "I can’t thank you enough for all of your support over the past few years…
"A year ago my skates had been hung up permanently collecting dust in the closet, I had moved back to LA to continue my other passion in television but as fate would have it I’m back for @dancingonice I’ve never been more excited about life, my career and getting to share my life and work with all of you. I owe everything to my friends and family behind the scenes and feel very blessed to have all of your support as you’ve been there with me for the past decade now. (sic)"
Dancing on Ice’s Matt Evers comes out at gay
