Kieron Richardson's grandmother knew he was gay before he did.
Kieron Richardson
The 'Hollyoaks' actor - who has played Ste Clay on the Channel 4 soap since 2006 - came out to his mother after she overheard a conversation with a newspaper during his 2010 'Dancing On Ice' run, and it led to an emotional conversation about his sexuality.
Speaking on the show's own 'Don't Filter Feelings' podcast, he said: "I was like: 'Oh mum, let's sit down in the house and talk about this.'
"I had a discussion with my mum and it was quite emotional and amazing, because my mum had told me that when my nan was dying, one of the last things she said to her was: 'Tell Kieron I know he's gay, he's always been gay, and I love him.'
"That was one of the last things my nan ever said and she knew before I knew."
The 33-year-old star admitted appearing on 'Dancing On Ice' - coupled with his soap alter ego coming out - made him realise he wanted to be open himself.
Referring to his character's domestic abuse storyline, Kieron revealed it was refreshing to be showing his "actual real personality" on the ITV figure skating competition.
He added: "I was trying to hide [my sexuality] but more people were asking me. I ended up doing 'Dancing On Ice' and I couldn't hide who I was.
"I was showing everybody my actual personality, not this horrendous person [Ste] who at the time was beating up his girlfriend."
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