Former 'X Factor' winner Joe McElderry has said that he felt "overwhelmed" by the support he received from the public after coming out.
According to New magazine, the singer said that he was "nervous" about revealing that he is gay to "the whole nation".
He said: "Everybody's been absolutely outstanding. I couldn't have asked for a better reaction. I was overwhelmed."
"I was nervous. It's not ideal to have to tell the whole nation that you're gay! I thought, 'Oh my god, this is big stuff'."
"But once I realised who I was as a person, I thought, 'Right, I'm just going to be honest.' It makes your life easier."
He also said that 'X Factor' judge Simon Cowell offered his support.
McElderry said: "He was away but he phoned me and said, 'I hope everything goes well. I'm totally 100% behind you. I think it's admirable what you're doing and I'll see you soon'."
