Advertisement

Russell Tovey's father thought actor could be 'cured' with 'hormone treatment' after coming out as gay

Russell Tovey attends the 35th Annual Artios Awards at Stage 48 on January 30, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Russell Tovey has revealed that his father wanted him to have 'hormone treatment' after he first came out to him. (Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Russell Tovey has revealed that his father wanted him to have "hormone treatment" after the actor came out to him because he believed his son could be "cured".

The Years And Years star, who came out to his parents Carole and George at 18, said that while he doesn't believe they were homophobic, they were driven by fear about what life for him as a gay man could be like.

Russell, 39, told The Sunday Times magazine: “I don’t think either of my parents were homophobic, they just didn’t know any gay people or anyone with gay kids. They had nothing to cling to. My dad thought it could be cured.

Read more: Gemma Collins received death threats after being announced for Life Stories

Russell Tovey, mother Carole Haynes and father George Tovey attend the after party following the UK Premiere of

Russell Tovey with his parents Carole Haynes and George Tovey in 2016. (David M Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage)

"He was scared about what my life would be like. To him, being gay was a road of pitfalls and unhappiness; out of love he wanted to correct this weakness, to put cotton wool around me and protect me from all that."

His mother added to the publication: "George had a hard time with it. It took him about three years to come to terms with it. I think it was to do with pride, his idea of what makes you a man.

"He thought we’d somehow made Russell gay. He said: 'We’ll get him hormone treatment.' He found it hard to see that Russ was happy and we had to accept it."

Watch: Who supported you when you came out? | Reality Check with Baga, Blu and Vinegar

Russell Tovey (R) and Steve Brockman attend Elton John AIDS Foundation Commemorates Its 25th Year And Honors Founder Sir Elton John During New York Fall Gala at Cathedral of St. John the Divine on November 7, 2017 in New York City.  (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)

Russell Tovey and his partner Steve Brockman. (Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)

She went on to say she had feared he would never marry or have children. Russell now says he has a good relationship with both parents and hopes to emulate the success of their relationship.

Read more: Bradley Walsh set to become a grandfather

The Years And Years star is in a relationship with partner Steve Brockman. The pair were engaged to be married in 2018 but split months later, before reconciling in 2019.

He has said they are now in an "amazing place".

Watch: Jojo Siwa opens up on coming out announcement