Former Hear'Say star Noel Sullivan has spoken candidly about the pressures of fame and hiding his sexuality during his time in the band. The 42-year-old, who was just 19 when the group formed on the TV talent show Popstars, said he was told he could not talk about his sexuality if he wanted to remain in the band.
In an unearthed interview, Sullivan described Hear'Say as 'a machine' where members were not allowed to think for themselves. He recalled being subjected to abuse from the public, including having bottles thrown at them on stage and a cigarette stubbed out on bandmate Myleene Klass in a club. The abuse was so intense that Sullivan moved to the USA for two years after the group disbanded, suffering from depression.
Sullivan, now married to choreographer James Bennett, said: 'It was a very damaging time and it’s taken me a lot of years to get over that shame and find acceptance. I was made to feel like there was something wrong with me and no kid should ever have to feel like that.' He added that he regretted not speaking up but lacked the knowledge and strength at such a young age.
Meanwhile, former bandmate Kym Marsh, 46, also reflected on the pressures of fame. She recalled that every member of Hear'Say had 'been ill' due to the stress, and that she quit the group after just months due to constant arguments. Marsh said her on-screen persona was shaped by TV editing, claiming she was portrayed as 'the gobby b***h' and that footage was cut to fit that character.
Marsh also revealed that she had a furious row with Klass over her revealing outfits, but they later reconciled after bonding over their shared experiences with miscarriages. The revelations come as both stars look back on their time in the spotlight, with Sullivan saying he would have to be 'mad' to consider returning to singing.
