Supports HTML5 videoSimon Callow has disagreed with Tom Hanks’ view that he could not – and ‘rightly so’ – as a straight man play his 1993 role as a gay man in the movie Philadelphia today.The Four Weddings and a Funeral star called it a ‘dangerous idea’ that only gay actor should take on gay roles.Hollywood star Hanks, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of lawyer Andrew Beckett, who conceals his sexuality and HIV-positive status from colleagues before suing his employers for firing him, previously said that he felt the world was ‘beyond that now’ and ‘wouldn’t accept the inauthenticity of a straight guy playing a gay guy’.Appearing on GB News on Tuesday, Callow – who identifies as gay – commented: ‘Think of all the wonderful performances of people who are not gay have given: John Hurt, Daniel Day Lewis, Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain.‘I mean, these are all as far as I know, heterosexual actors who’ve given utterly convincing credible and illuminating performances.’The actor said that people must remember the ‘general principle of acting rather than being’, using his famous role as Gareth in Richard Curtis’ hit 1994 comedy as an example of a gay role that was ‘only a tiny part of me’.He added: ‘Though I’m gay, it doesn’t qualify me to play all the many different kinds of gay people that there are. READ MORE: Ex Love Island star believes 'dry' Gemma Owen is using show to further careerLast year, Love Island bosses claimed to have gay contestants presented a "logistical difficulty" – something which Alex claims has been broken.The 27-year-old who previously dated Samira Mighty has spoken exclusively to the Daily Star on his thoughts.He said: "I can't really speak for all the other shows because obviously the big one that has made its brand, doing what it's doing and has been successful doing that."I can't really comment and say that it needs to change because that's just the brand that it is."I think Amazon Prime Video's Lovestruck High has really shown that it can be done and if companies really wanted to, they could do that."It's not me to say that they should and you know, call certain ones out for not doing it but it's been proven it can be done."The accountant continued: "We're not the only ones that have done it as well, there's another show earlier this year that had people with more representation from the LGBTQ+ community involved."Hopefully, it's the start of something that's more progressive for that environment moving forward."Discussing ex-Islander Zara McDermott's BBC Three show, Love In The Flesh, Alex added: "I've got a friend that was on Zara's one, so I know they had representation in that."ITV's commissioner Amanda Stavri previously told RadioTimes: "In terms of gay Islanders, I think the main challenge is regarding the format of Love Island.
Lord Etherton made history himself when he became the first openly gay judge of the Senior Courts.Tremaine added: ‘I hope this review can repair the hurt and compensate the loss and that its recommendations are honoured in full.’Sharon Hudson, a Women’s Royal Army Corps veteran, also experienced first hand as a result of the crackdown on LGBTQ+ people within the Armed Forces.She had revealed her sexuality after severe bullying from male soldiers and military investigators.She had gained the title of Lance Corporal by the time she was ordered to leave.‘Being dismissed for my sexuality severely affected my mental health,’ Sharon said.‘I lied to my family for 40 years because of the shame I felt. Dark Souls has always been queerMeet the rural drag queen ‘breaking down barriers’ facing LGBTQ+ people in the countrysideOne in 10 UK parents 'would never speak to their child about what LGBT means'The review was launched in January and, following the appointment of its chair, it will now begin its year-long investigation.