10 March 2024 , 18:00
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Dancing On Ice professional Colin Grafton has revealed he came to terms with his sexuality "over the span of many years".
The figure skater, 32, shared publicly shared he is gay last month after not feeling the world needed to know his sexuality. His friends and family had known for the better part of the last decade and faced "a lot of curiosity" while in the public eye. Colin has since shared to The Mirror why now was the right time for him to share his true self.
He told us: "I’m at a place in my adult life where I have fully accepted myself, and I am proud of the person I am. I hope that me being open and proud of myself and fully embracing every aspect of who I am, can help someone else do the same or feel some sort of level of support and comfort that they are not alone."
Colin admitted he feels lucky to not have faced too many challenges regarding his sexuality. He shared: "I have been very fortunate in the fact that I have not faced many challenges other than coming to terms with my sexuality over the span of many years. It’s been a journey but I couldn’t be happier of where I am at. Being in the public eye is never easy in terms of your private life, but it is something that I am learning to navigate as I go."
Colin starred alongside Claire Sweeney on the latest series (Kieron McCarron/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The figure skater has shared why he wanted to come out nowThe professional skater revealed it feels "wonderful" to share his sexuality with the world. "I feel at peace and I am truly excited to live life to its fullest," he said. "We have a short time on this planet and I am so happy I can live it as my true self. I know everyone has different situations and it is not an easy thing to do for everyone, but living as your authentic self is something I find incredibly beautiful. I hope others can feel the way I am feeling also. I want to share the love."
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Colin, who is from the United States, said he is now ready to settle down in England. "I think it just feels right at this current time in my life. I’ve always wanted to live in England, and I am at a place where I feel at home and settled here. I can see myself building a life with someone here."
Colin is on the search for 'The One' and while he fancies Shawn Mendes, he wants "someone who can make me laugh" as well as a partner that is "thoughtful, honest, and kind". During the latest series of Dancing On Ice, Colin was paired with soap star Claire Sweeney. Speaking of his time on the show, he said: "Claire was an absolute dream to work with. She has such a warm energy and presence about her. Both Claire and I agree we did the absolute best we could have, and we had a blast doing it."