X Factor winner Joe McElderry has admitted that he has come out as gay, according to reports.
The 19-year-old revealed that he felt a duty to reveal his sexuality to his fans, but insisted that he was not pushed into making the decision.
Speaking to Graham Norton on his Radio 2 show, McElderry said: "I didn't feel pressured at all. I felt quite relaxed about it.
"It's not ideal having to announce your personal life to the whole of England in the national newspapers. It's quite a personal thing to discuss."
He added: "I felt that with the kind of job I was doing that it was necessary to talk about it and I didn't have a problem talking about it, so I thought lets just get it out there and I can just get on with the rest of my life. I'm glad I did it."
Norton, who is also openly gay, praised the singer's courage and for serving a role model to other young homosexuals.
Graeme said: "Hats off to you, particularly in a week like this...with gay teenagers committing suicide, and I think it's fantastic that there is someone like you in this country who's out and proud and a really positive role model to any kids who are being picked on in schools or anything like that. Well done you."
Even though he was relieved to come out, McElderry admitted that he was worried he could be a target for `kiss and tell' stories.
Discussing dating, Joe said: "It is difficult but I suppose you can only base it on experience of whether someone is going to sell a story, or whether they're with you for this reason or that. I'll never really know until I get that horrible thing happen to [me]."
Norton joked: "My advise would be never be a lazy lover.
"Always make an effort so the story's good! You don't want bad stories out there. Make the effort!"
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