Yes-we-know-it-shouldn’t-be-news-in-the-enlighted-age-of-2014-but-let’s-report-it-anyway news now, and Charlie King — an inspirational quote made flesh who used to be on TOWIE — has come out in the time-honoured manner, by announcing his sexuality live on This Morning.
Speaking to Phillip Schofield and Amanda Holden, Charlie said he wanted to be a positive influence on young people who were struggling to come out themselves. He was supported on the sofa by showbiz reporter James Ingham, representing RUComingOut.com, an award-winning LGBT website that supports and inspires young people as they come out.
“Our stories will help people,” he said. “There is a way out. You are not alone. I want to be a positive person, telling people 'you can do this'.”
Charlie said that with the help of his friends — including Him & Her actor Russell Tovey — he was slowly able come to terms with his sexuality at small parties and with close groups of friends.
“We’re very lucky that we can come out in London,” he told Phillip. “I’ve been dipping my toe, if you like, in recent months, going to parties and safe places. I’m very good friends with Russell Tovey and he’s been very instrumental in introducing me to people.”
Charlie — who has previously dated TOWIE co-stars Gemma Collins and Danni Park-Dempsey — also revealed that he had a girlfriend at the beginning of this year, and she was one of the first people he told. “I had to tell her, we had to have that conversation,” he said. “When something doesn’t click, it doesn’t click. I can keep dating these girls, but it’s not fair to them.”
And as messages of support started to flood in, Charlie said that he felt a weight was off his shoulders “I feel good actually,” he said. “Thank you so much.” Anyway: good on you, Charlie King off of TOWIE.