My family cut me off after finding out I was gay – but I’m proud of who I am, says Celebs Go Dating’s Ryan-Mark
AFTER soaring to fame on The Apprentice at the tender age of 19, Ryan-Mark Parsons has revealed he was cut off by his "shocked" family when they discovered he was gay.
Rumours circulated about the teenager’s sexuality in the candidates’ luxury mansion where their fighting talk had spilled over from the boardroom.
And when word reached some of his relatives, the TV personality said he never heard from them again.
Until now, Ryan-Mark has kept his feelings about the traumatic experience hidden.
But he bravely opened up on Celebs Go Dating about how he was forced into revealing his secret before he was ready.
Speaking to The Sun exclusively about never-before-heard details about his family feud, Ryan-Mark said: "Family members discovered my sexuality online and I didn't hear from them again after that.
"My immediate family members just reacted with silence and a bit of awkwardness.
"I forced the conversation about it with my parents and said 'I know why you're reacting like this'.
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"They weren't harsh or vindictive about it. There was just shock, they weren't expecting it.
"I think they were disappointed I didn't talk to them about it first.
"And because of how it came out there wasn't any time for me to be able to address things in my own way. It was all a very reactive conversation.
"But I've always taken it on the chin and dealt with it.
"I'm not looking for sympathy from anyone. I'm not an X Factor contestant with a sob story. I just want people to see who I really am."
Ryan-Mark was Lord Alan Sugar's youngest-ever candidate who described himself as a "60-year-old trapped in a teenager’s body”.
He was fired "with regret" in week eight, but had already proved to be a hugely popular TV personality who wasn't going to fade into the background.
Since joining Celebs Go Dating last year, Ryan-Mark and his co-stars have had regular sessions with a psychiatrist which is written into their contracts.
Ryan-Mark said: "Things are better now with my immediate family, everything is fine.
Family members discovered my sexuality online and I didn't hear from them again after that
Ryan-Mark Parsons
"Now my parents let me crack on and have no qualms or issues about what I do. As long as it doesn't affect them.
"I never speak about it because I don't want to cause any damage. I don't want them to think I'm trying to throw anyone in front of the bus, but I'm just being candid so that it will hopefully help other people to speak out too."
Ryan-Mark was one of the lesser known celebrities in this year's Celebs Go Dating, which starred the likes of Ulrika Jonsson, Abz from 5ive and Chloe Brockett from The Only Way is Essex.
But he soon became an internet sensation - with fans sharing memes of quick-witted Ryan-Mark's hilarious one-liners.
Dating agents Anna Williamson and Paul Carrick Brunson almost threw him out of the agency for his rude remarks on dates - with some potential love matches storming out.
But he ended the series on a high after finding a connection with Gregory - who wasn't put off by his dry sense of humour.
Sadly, Ryan-Mark was forced to go to the finale party alone after Gregory made a whirlwind move to Dubai for work.
He may not have found love on the dating show, but there have since been calls for the entrepreneur to get his very own spin-off on E4.
Asked about rumours that he could land his own TV programme, Ryan-Mark said: "The feedback I've had has been overwhelming, with fans saying they want me to get my own show. I would obviously love that.
"If the viewers want to see more of me, which is clear based on all of the messages I've had since Celebs Go Dating, I'd be keen to explore the idea.
"I would love to continue working with E4, I think it's a channel that allows my personality to flourish."
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Until then, Ryan-Mark announced he's starring in a new BBCThree series, Hot Property, with musician Yung Filly.
It follows young daters snooping around homes where they meet the mates of three potential suitors, before choosing one to go on a blind date with.
