Advertisement

One Show airs presenter coming out to his football team

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

From Digital Spy

The One Show aired a hugely heartwarming moment tonight when a popular presenter came out as gay to his football team.

The BBC One chat show's cameras followed radio presenter Richie Anderson over the last few weeks as he studied the impact of coming out as gay in the sports world for a short One Show film.

Richie has been out to his family and friends for years, but told viewers that he'd always resisted sharing this aspect of his life with his Sunday league teammates over fears of rejection.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

"My friends know and my family know, but as soon as I'm on a football pitch, it just feels like a taboo," Richie explained. "Why am I and other gay footballers keeping quiet?"

Over the course of the week, Richie met with other gay footballers and those who've been promoting tolerance in sports as a way to prepare himself to speak openly to his teammates.

The segment culminated in Richie gathering his squad after a victory last Sunday, and telling them: "One of the big issues we've looked at [in my One Show film], it's really close to my heart.

"It's homophobia in football. And the reason why that means a lot to me is that I'm a gay footballer. I just wanted to be open and honest because with you lot, it's just been class."

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Far from the rejection he feared, Richie was met with hugs and handshakes all around, as his teammates assured him that being gay certainly wouldn't negatively impact his status with the squad.

It was emotional, and ultimately inspiring, viewing for those at home: