Russell Tovey apologises for ‘really effeminate’ comments

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Actor Russell Tovey has apologised for comments he made in an interview when he said he is thankful that he didn’t become go to theatre school and become “really effeminate”.

The out actor told the Observer he is “glad” his father refused to allow him to go to a drama school.

He said: “I was so envious of everyone who went to Sylvia Young Theatre School. I wanted to go but my dad flat-out refused.

“He thought I’d become some tapdancing freak without qualifications. And he was right in a way. I’m glad I didn’t go.

“That might have changed… I feel like I could have been really effeminate, if I hadn’t gone to the school I went to, where I felt like I had to toughen up.

“I thank my dad for that, for not allowing me to go down that path. Because it’s probably given me the unique quality that people think I have.”

In a series of tweets today, Tovey apologised, saying he never meant to offend, writing: “I surrender. You got me. I’m sat baffled and saddened that a mis-fired inarticulate quote of mine has branded me worst gay ever.”






The star of HBO’s ‘Looking’ last week opened up about being stabbed in the head as a teenager.