Former member of UK boy band Blue, Duncan James, has revealed that he is "finally comfortable" in his own skin, sharing a photo with his new boyfriend, Rodrigo Reis, on social media.
James, who came out as bisexual in 2009, then as gay in 2012, expressed his gratitude at the overwhelming 'love' he had received from fans.
"I posted this pic on my Insta yesterday & couldn’t get over the amazing response, comments and love from people," the 41-year-old father wrote on Instagram.
He continued: "I didn’t identify as a gay man for many years because of my own issues with coming out, but finally I'm happy in my skin & this guy next 2 me makes me proud 2 be gay."
Having formerly dated Spice Girl Geri Haliwell, James was encouraged to come to terms with his sexuality by former band mate Simon Webbe when Blue went on hiatus.
"When I told Simon, he encouraged me to speak to my mum, who was in LA with me in a hotel at the time," James revealed, according to The Sun.
“I raided my mini bar, drank a load of drinks, then knocked on her door.
“I was sobbing and I sat her down and said, ‘Remember my friend Pete? I’ve been in love with him. He’s been my secret boyfriend’.
“She said, ‘You’re gay? I thought you were going to say you had cancer’.”
Appearing on British TV show Loose Women earlier this year, the singer said that coming out was the “best thing he ever did”.
