Mark Feehily, singer in UK boy band Westlife, tells The Sun newspaper “I am gay and I’m very proud of who I am.”

“I’m not asking for any sympathy, or to be a role model to anyone else,” he said, adding it was “the right time” to let people know the truth.

With legions of female fans, Westlife have had 12 UK number ones since 1999.

Feehily, 25, added: “I’m not worried about how people react because I’m happy being who I am.”

His family and bandmates were already aware of his sexuality, he said, and he is now in a relationship with Kevin McDaid from boy band V.

“I’m happy, and… I’ve found someone who is a real companion,” he said.