Coronation Street star Rob Mallard has thanked fans for their support after he spoke out about being gay.

The 25-year-old actor – who plays Daniel Osbourne on the soap – said he was “touched” by the good will towards him after he discussed his sexuality in Gay Times magazine.

Thanks for all the kind words following the @GayTimesMag interview! Genuinely touched by people's kindness ❤✌🏻✌🏽✌🏿🌈

— Rob Mallard (@Rob_Mallard) February 1, 2017

In the interview, Rob said he came out to his family and friends at 17.

He explained: “I never planned to keep it quiet that I was gay.

“The only concern I had at first was if I’m with a female character, will an audience who knows I’m gay in real life believe it?

“But that was just my own fears because I do believe they will.”

Rob’s character, who is the long-lost son of Ken Barlow (William Roache), will soon become involved in a romance with Sinead Tinker (Katie McGlynn).