[Me. I Am Salman]

Controversial X Factor star Christopher Maloney has revealed that he is gay.

The 35-year-old, who finished third in last year's series under Gary Barlow's mentorship, explained that he has chosen to come out now as it would have been "inappropriate" while he was on the show
"Do you know what, I'm going to admit it - yeah," he told Now. "Honestly, I've never denied it or anything like that.

"It's just that with the show it was always an inappropriate time or people just asked inappropriate questions."

The publication adds that Maloney is in a long-term relationship.

The Liverpudlian, who last month was filmed getting a Bette Middler tattoo, revealed to Digital Spy that he and his nan still receive death threats from X Factor viewers.

"I'm one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, but there has to be a bad guy," he said. "It was pretty awful and I'm still trying to get myself back on my feet.

"To be honest, the amount of crap I've had since the start has been absolutely unbelievable, but I try to take it on the chin.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/...ampaign=twdsuk

It's no surprise.