CORONATION Street fans are worried for James Bailey after his brother Michael discovered he is gay.
The footballer – who is played by actor Nathan Graham in the ITV soap – came out to Bethany Platt in tonight’s episode while trying to explain why he had rejected her advances.
And after a heart to heart about racism and homophobia from football fans stopping him from coming out, Bethany offered to be James’ beard.
She said: “Well instead of letting those hoards of women down why don’t I be your girlfriend?
“I mean not really but I don’t mind pretending if it will make your life easier.
“It’s not like I’ve got anything going on romantically anyway. There’s got to be some fun perks to being a footballer’s girlfriend.”
James took her up on the offer but said: “You’re not my usual type. I prefer them taller and with a bit more muscle.”
But as Bethany and James shook on their deal, Michael was revealed to have been listening in from the house.
Earlier James became emotional as he talked about his fear of the backlash if he came out.
He told Bethany: “I don’t mean the club, although there would be a few of them who would look at me funny.
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“I mean the fans. It might only be a minority but it’ll be more than a few idiots. Have you heard some of the racist stuff they chant on the terraces?
“Stick being gay on top of being black and some fans from the opposing teams would make my job impossible.
“Why do you think football is one of the only sports where no players has come out as gay? And as cool as he is I really don’t know how my dad would react either.”
Fans were worried for James after Michael found out his secret, with him not exactly being the best at dealing with anything.
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