Blue singer, Duncan James, has spoken about the fear he once had before he came out as gay.
The 43-year-old pop star says it was easier for him to suppress his attraction to other men in the past than it was to be honest about his sexuality.
Thankfully, now the dad-of-one, insists he is proud of who he is and much happier in himself.
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Speaking on the Secure The Insecure Podcast to Johnny Seifert, the One Love singer said: "I think when I came out 12 years ago, it was at a time of my life I thought I was ready to come out, and before then I felt very scared to come out.
"The world has evolved so much in the last decade really, I think it has been a lot easier now for people to be more about their sexuality and not have to feel shame or feel fear.
"I think programmes like Ru Paul’s Drag Race has really helped, it has just put thing like that on the forefront, its normal and its acceptable now.
"Going back 20 years when we first started with the band there wasn't any of these shows, there wasn't really a lot of queer people on television in that respect.
"Sadly, it just was not as accepting as it was now and I think for me back then, I felt the fear, I felt the shame and it was best for me just suppress all that and not let anyone know that, that was what was going on inside me.
"But now I am out and I am proud and I am feeling so much happier in myself."
Duncan previously came out as bisexual in a newspaper interview in 2009 but came out as gay a few years later to fellow band member, Simon Webbe.
Now, he is in a relationship with Rodrigo Lopes who he met two years ago in Belgium while he was there for a gig.
The couple met shortly after Duncan appeared on Channel 4's First Dates Hotel.
Confirming their romance on Instagram at the time, Duncan wrote: "Huge thanks to @firstdates for such a wonderful experience and fun time in Italy all in aid for the amazing @su2c charity.
"I didn’t find love on the show as you saw, but I did find someone special after who continues to make me a very happy man. Thankyou Amor for being you and making me smile.
Previously opening up about their relationship to OK! magazine, Duncan said: "Rodrigo is such a lovely boy. He’s just so smiley, happy, with lovely energy. He’s met my daughter and they really get on, so it’s just fantastic.
"I didn’t identify as gay for many years because of my issues with coming out, but finally I’m happy in my skin and this guy makes me proud to be gay."
Duncan also applauded those in the community who are coming out at a younger age during his podcast appearance.
The former Hollyoaks actor said he takes his hat off to them before adding: "It's so brave and so courageous to be able to be your true authentic self from a young age and I wish I had the opportunity to do that when I was younger, I just didn't feel I had that chance.
"I'm glad I came out in my thirties, I'm glad that I am my authentic self now, finally."
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