Paul Gascoigne has publicly spoken out in support of his son Regan, months after he revealed during a television interview that he is bisexual.
In November, dancer Regan 24, spoke openly about his sexuality in a newspaper interview, followed by an appearance on Lorraine Kelly’s eponymous ITV show.
Football legend Gazza, 53, has now told The Mirror of his son: ‘He texted me the night before and I saw him on the TV talking about it.
‘I told him, “It doesn’t matter what you do son, I will support you 100 percent, you have to do what makes you happy”.
Support: Paul Gascoigne has publicly spoken out in support of his son Regan, months after he revealed during a television interview that he is bisexual
‘I thought “bless him”. To go on TV and do that is hard. He is a professional dancer, he is a fit guy, and I am very proud of him.’
The sportsman went on to reveal that Regan stayed with him for several weeks during the early stages of his career in Newcastle, and he and his son now regularly keep in touch via phone calls and text message.
Regan publicly announced that he was bisexual in a candid interview with The Sunday Mirror, but said at the time that his father had no idea he had dated men.
He told Lorraine that after publicly coming out as bisexual and admitting his father didn’t know he decided to get in touch with him.
Revelation: Football legend Gazza, 53, has told The Mirror of his son, ‘He texted me the night before and I saw him on the TV talking about it.’ Pictured in January
The performer previously admitted they are still in touch but do no see each other frequently.
He said: ‘I’ve never actually come out. I’ve never made a point of coming out. I’ve just let it happen organically… when they asked me if I told dad I said no.
‘But then I saw the article and headline and thought, “oh I’ve got to text him now”. I just text him and said, ”I’m so sorry I’ve never had this chat I just feel like I’ve never had this chat with you.”
‘His response was exactly what I thought, he said ”I still love you no matter what”.’
Days before the interview, Regan publicly revealed that he was bisexual, and he had dated men in the past without his father’s knowledge.
Candid: In November, dancer Regan 24, spoke openly about his sexuality in a newspaper interview, followed by an appearance on Lorraine Kelly’s eponymous ITV show
He said at the time: ‘I’m bisexual, I date men and women. I’m really open about that. I haven’t had a lot of relationships though. I’ve only dated three people. I haven’t told my dad but I don’t think he will mind.’
In the Lorraine interview, Regan said that he’s no interest in following in his father’s footsteps and has pursued a career in music theatre and dance.
He added that any friction between him and Paul is well in the past, particularly in reference to a 2013 documentary when he said he wanted his dad out of his life.
‘It was hard growing up, but like I said that was 11 years ago now,’ he told Lorraine.
‘I said things back then that still to this day I hate myself for saying it, but when the cameras was in your face and your emotions are heightened I was only 12. I didn’t know how to express my emotions and feelings properly.’
Truth: The dancer has had a fraught relationship with his father, who walked out on his family when Regan was a baby and has battled alcoholism for many years. Pictured in 1999
Regan went told Lorraine that that he had no interest in staying in the spotlight, and has instead been quietly auditioning in pursuit of a dancing career.
He explained: ‘I just wanted to make a career from my own success and passion and drive, I wanted to keep it separate and that’s what I do.’
The dancer went on to say that Paul was ‘totally supportive’ when he decided against following in his dad’s footsteps to pursue a career in football.
During the interview, Regan expressed his regrets over claims he made at the age of 12 in a documentary that he wanted his dad out of his life.
Shocking: Paul previously walked out on his son when he was a baby, after a string of rows with his ex-wife Sheryl, 54. Pictured in 1998
Paul previously walked out on his son when he was a baby, after a string of rows with his ex-wife Sheryl, 54.
Despite the fact they see little of one another − with their last meeting being over a year ago − Regan insisted he is still proud of his father, and had plenty of fond memories to recall with the former England star.
The budding performer said he got through the tougher times in Paul’s battle with the booze by focusing on his performing, but went on to say he prefers to stay out of the limelight.
When asked about his father’s current welfare, Regan said he still wishes for his dad to stay healthy, and that he ‘loves him dearly’.