News

Former Hear’Say star alleges he was FORCED to keep sexuality a secret

Noel Sullivan has claimed it "ruined" him

| Updated:

Remember Noel Sullivan?

He was the cute Welsh one from Popstars band Hear’Say, who was close to his mum and was best mates with Charlotte Church.

For the past few years the handsome singer and actor has carved out a rather successful theatre career and found love along the way.

More excitingly, he has also recently just got married.

But in a touching post on Instagram that marked the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality, Noel has revealed that he tied the knot with his sweetheart James six months ago and posted alongside the comments a gorgeous picture from their big day.

But while he is living the life of Riley, the dashing fella also revealed that he has finally overcome the tough times he endured during his time in Hear’Say.

He revealed for the first time he was ordered not to tell anyone he was gay, which he says ultimately “ruined” him.

“I can’t express my gratitude enough to those who sacrificed everything, to give us the freedom we enjoy,” he wrote about gay men of yesteryear who had been imprisoned for loving men.

“As a 19 year old, I was told to shut up about my sexuality. If I wanted a career, I had to be something else. Silent. It ruined me.

“No one was held accountable for the years of depression and self abuse that followed.

Read more: Liam Payne finally addresses those marriage rumours 

“It got to the point where I felt like I couldn’t speak out anymore because my time in the spotlight had passed and I assumed noone would care.

“It was a turbulent time but I took solace in my family and in theatre.

“Without the crazy beautiful supportive and talented people I worked with, lived with and performed for, I could never have found myself.”

“After years of self-doubt, I finally feel free to say what I need to.

“Free to let go of the past, free to love myself. But most importantly free to love.”

Read more: Sinitta makes outrageous claims about Louis Walsh’s behind

Noel was one of thousands who tried out for reality show Popstars back in 2000 and successfully made it into Hear’Say alongside  Danny Foster, Suzanne Shaw, Myleene Klass and Kym Marsh.

The group went on to have a string of number one singles, including Pure & Simple and Show Me The Way To Your Love, plus two albums.

Kym Marsh quit a year later and was replaced by Johnny Shentall before the band ultimately split.


Christian Guiltenane
Freelance Writer