Philip Schofield made headlines around the world when he came out as gay on live TV last week.

Philip's story really resonated with one Dermot & Dave listener who had been through a similar situation himself.

Billy, who is from Strabane but now lives in Dundalk, was married for 16 years before he decided to come out as gay to his wife and children.

This was 18 years ago and now, all these years on, he says has a good relationship with his ex-wife and daughters, although at the time there was a lot of pain and anger.

Billy says he always knew he was a gay man but 50 years ago being gay was 'a horrible thing' and he was left with no choice but to try and make a relationship with a woman work.

On coming out Billy says, 'There's a lot of disappointment and guilt and pain and shame. It's not an easy thing to do, there is a way to do it and there is life afterwards.'

To hear the full chat press the Listen button on this page.

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