Danny Miller has said his portrayal of gay character Aaron Dingle on Emmerdale helped to 'change perceptions'. The actor, 30, who recently left the soap after playing the role on and off since 2008, revealed he received fan mail from viewers who said his character helped them come out.
Speaking on Thursday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, Miller told campmate Frankie Bridge about the moment he was asked to take on the storyline. He recalled being nervous for a meeting with a new producer, but immediately agreed when offered the chance to portray a gay character that defied stereotypes.
Miller said: 'At the time, 13 years ago, it wasn't as kind of open and accepted at that time as it is now. I think part of it helped change some perceptions of it really.' He added that he received many letters from fans saying, 'You helped me come out', 'You helped me deal with my sexuality'.
When asked if he ever received criticism for playing a gay man while being straight, Miller said people often ask him how he kisses men, adding: 'That's exactly what we're trying to stop, the stereotype of how do you do that?'
Fellow campmates Adam Woodyatt and Matty Lee also shared their thoughts on the issue. Woodyatt praised Miller for taking on the role at a young age, while Lee recalled that his high school was a 'horrible environment' for anyone to come out.
