As one of Britain’s best-loved stand-up comedians, Tom Allen has us howling with laughter on shows including Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week and The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. But away from the limelight, the comic isn’t afraid of showing us his more sensitive side. In his latest memoir, Too Much, the star writes about life growing up in Bromley, Kent – and it wasn’t exactly a bed of roses. Tom, 40, struggled to navigate life at his tough comprehensive school and did his best to hide his sexuality and famously flamboyant personality from his peers.
“It was hard and I was quite frightened at first,” says Tom, who lives with his partner, actor Alfie Garston, 35. “I was always trying to hide away and not let on that I was gay or eccentric, or different from the rest of the boys. There were some bullies there, which I had to learn to live with.”
Luckily, Tom always had the love and support of his parents, Irene and Paul – even if coming out to them at the age of 21 was a nerve-racking process. Recalling the day he decided to tell them he was gay, Tom says he opted to break the news to his dad long distance, rather than face-to-face.
“I told my mum first, because I instinctively thought she would understand,” he remembers. “I then later told my dad over the phone. Oddly, Dad was more upset with me because I had felt unable to talk about it to him sooner – which sort of shocked me because in the end, when it mattered, he was more emotional than my mum.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Cheesy does it
These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is
I love the process of applying full glam'
Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event