Rylan Clark says homophobia kept him from going to football matches.
Rylan Clark says homophobia kept him from going to football matches
The 35-year-old TV star, who shot to fame after appearing on 'The X Factor' in 2012, was a member of the Junior Hammers supports club for West Ham United as a child, but felt he was pushed out because of his sexuality. Rylan has now made a documentary called 'Homophobia, Football and Me' to showcase what he experienced.
During the show, he said: "Growing up loving football and being a West Ham fan, I always assumed I'd be able to go to games whenever I wanted as I got older.
"But as times moved on, and as a gay man, I sometimes felt uncomfortable around spectators at games.
"I'm not easily offended, but some of the language and insults that are used on a daily basis by football crowds made going to games almost impossible, especially as I got more and more known and started having them directed at me.
"This documentary aims to highlight that football is for everyone regardless of what you get up to in your private life."
Rylan, who was married to Dan Neal from 2015 to 2021, also recently revealed he was looking for a new boyfriend.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, he said: "I'm ready to date and I'm on the apps. I'm on Tinder, but dating is hard, and it’s even worse for me."
The 'This Morning' host then explained what he was looking for in a potential partner.
He said: "I w ant to come home at night to someone who will ask how my day is. Me ask how their day is, have a cuddle, have a kiss, go to bed.
"I don't care if they're a Hollywood actor or an electrician or a gardener, none of it bothers me.
"All I want is someone to share it with."
Tagged in Rylan Clark