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# Russell Tovey says he went against advice on keeping his sexuality a secret at the start of his career ahead of new drama marking 20 years since London bombings
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/russell-tovey-says-he-went-against-advice-on-keeping-his-sexuality-a-secret-at-the-start-of-his-career-ahead-of-new-drama-marking-20-years-since-london-bombings/
- Published: 2025-04-22T10:01:48.000Z
- Updated: 2025-04-28T20:10:59.000Z
- Description: While promoting a new drama delving into the tragic story of Jean Charles de Menezes, openly gay actor Russell Tovey has said he went against advice on keeping his sexuality a secret at the start of his career. Broadcast to mark 20 years since the 7/7 bombings in London, the series, which airs on Di
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: Television, Russell Tovey

While promoting a new drama delving into the tragic story of **Jean Charles de Menezes**, openly gay actor **Russell Tovey** has said he went against advice on keeping his sexuality a secret at the start of his career.

Broadcast to mark 20 years since the 7/7 bombings in London, the series, which airs on **Disney+**, stars Russell and **Emily Mortimer** and tells the story of de Menezes, who was tragically misidentified as one of the failed bombers. In a harrowing case of mistaken identity, de Menezes was fatally shot seven times in the head at point-blank range by officers.

Russell, who plays a key role as gay deputy assistant commissioner **Brian Paddick**, shared his thoughts on the project: “I was shocked that 2025 will mark 20 years since the event – it’s gone incredibly quickly,” he reflects. “It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago, but I knew there had been a lot of misinformation at the time.”

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/f2d88149cc1831c6de386fe67bbe9b12-e1745315998904.jpg)

Russell Tovey as Brian Paddick

The actor, who is openly gay, felt a personal connection to his character: “He’s someone I’ve looked up to. I was happy he was someone within the community with good morals,” Russell says.

He also discusses his own experiences being gay in the spotlight: “I came out very early in my career and was advised along the way not to consider it, but I went against that advice. I feel a real connection to Brian. I understand what it means to be gay in the public eye and what people can write about you.”

Four-part drama ***Suspect: The Shooting Of Jean Charles De Menezes*** is on Disney + and stars **Russell Tovey**, **Conleth Hill**, **Max Beesley**, **Laura Aikman**, **Daniel Mays** and **Emily Mortimer**.