Tom To Deliver An Alternative Xmas Message

Olympic gold diver to speak out on TV against homophobia

- Eve Watson

PLYMOUTH'S superstar diver Tom Daley will deliver a stark message on Christmas Day to address the issue of homophobia in sports such as football.

The 27-year-old, who came out as gay at 19, has been chosen to give the Alternative Christmas Message' on Channel 4 at the same time as The Queen's speech, which will air on the BBC.

He will reflect on representing his country at the Tokyo Olympics and applaud athletes who have spoken openly about their mental health this year.

Daley, who has won four Olympic medals, one of which is gold, will also tackle the absence of openly gay players in top-flight football.

He will say how “incredibly lucky” he feels that his sport has supported him to live publicly as a gay man, but acknowledge not everyone in sport has the same backing.