Duncan James said he's "proud to be gay" as he posted a picture of him cuddled up with Brazilian boyfriend Rodrigo Reis.

Confirming their relationship, the former Blue singer explained that he kept his sexuality a secret for years, adding: "Finally, I'm happy in my skin."

The 41-year-old thanked his fans on Twitter for their heart-warming words after he shared the cute picture that sees the couple nearly kissing while in Brussels, Belgium.

He wrote: “I posted this pic on my Insta yesterday & couldn’t get over the amazing response, comments and love from people.

“I didn’t identify as a gay man for many years because of my own issues with coming out, but finally I’m happy in my skin & this guy next 2 me makes me proud 2 be gay”.

The One Love hitmaker also shared the snap on Instagram with the caption: “ Cute pic alert!! 🚨 Such a beautiful person inside and out. Thankyou @rodrigolopesreis for making me smile.”  

James said in 2009 that he was bisexual and came out as gay in 2012, telling his Blue bandmate Simon Webbe.

Although he did not reveal how long he has been dating Rodrigo, the singer recently started sharing photos when the pair went to Tropikali Festival last month.

In 2009, while speaking about Webbe’s previous encouragement, he said coming out was the “best thing” he had done, admitting: “When I told Simon, he encouraged me to speak to my mum, who was in LA with me in a hotel at the time.

“I raided my mini bar, drank a load of drinks, then knocked on her door. I was sobbing and I sat her down and said: ‘Remember my friend Pete? I’ve been in love with him. He’s been my secret boyfriend'".

He said: "You’re gay? I thought you were going to say you had cancer."

Duncan is currently on tour as Franknfurter in the Rocky Horror Show.