[Visage]

Joe McElderry has come out of the closet as a gay man.

After having his Twitter account hacked earlier this month, rumours about the X Factor winner's sexuality circulated online, which the 19-year-old addressed on his official website on Friday.

"Tomorrow there will be some articles about me in the newspapers because I have been doing some important interviews today. I wanted you to know that the articles are true. I also wanted you to know that I really respect your loyal support and all the kind messages I have had from you up to this date," he wrote.

"I have always been a very honest person and so it is important for me to continue to be honest. It has been the most amazing year so far and I feel so privileged. It’s also been a time of real self-realisation and I feel as if I have grown up so much in these few months.

"There has been speculation about my sexuality in the past and I have always been honest at the time I have been asked. Over the past few weeks I have really had time to reflect and to realise who I am. I spoke to my friends and family about this in the last few days and it was important to do the same for you all as you have been so supportive."

He continued: "I have had nothing but support from you and many of you have been very open in saying that you will continue to support me whatever my sexuality. It is important to me to let you know first, so that you know the stories in the papers are true. I made the choice to speak openly about this.

"Again, I can’t thank you enough for all your support. Everything is going well and I’m really happy to be able to move forward from here."





I didn't realise he was hiding this