Interview with Gary Lamont - The Sun

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I'll star in River City gay wedding ... but I'm not ready to marry my boyfriend

Telly hunk ... Gary Lamont
BBC

By MARC DEANIE Published: 04th November 2012

RIVER City star Gary Lamont says the Shieldinch soap is blazing a trail for gay marriage — as his character gets set to tie the knot.

The controversial issue continues to dominate the corridors of power in Westminster and Holyrood as Montego Street crimper Robbie and his policeman fiance Will walk down the aisle in Tuesday night's episode.

Gay actor Gary ? who opened his heart to The Scottish Sun about his sexuality earlier this year ? says the plot is a major coup for the BBC Scotland show.

He said: "I do think we need to move with the times, we have to, whether everyone agrees with it or not.

"Times have changed. When you hear these awful religious things, I do think they sound like fossils but that's just my opinion on it. Each to their own.

"In an ideal world there should be no hurdles like this for people. Your outlook changes the older you get, I suppose.

"These things never used to bother me. I used to think it was fine as long as I was happy with what I've got.

"The older you get the more disgruntled with the world you get and the way things are.

"But it is my opinion and I'm not going to force it on anybody. If they can't accept it, I feel sorry for them." But Gary insists he doesn't want to be a spokesman for legalising gay marriage.

He added: "It's a tricky one for me because essentially I'm a public figure now and have been for a few years but it's just my job.

"I don't want to take a flag up and declare that everything I say is right.

"I'm just one person with an opinion. I have to be a role model though but I'm not really comfortable with being a voice.

"It's a scary aspect of the job because some people might take what I say as gospel and that's never a good thing!"

Man and strife ... Gary's character Robbie marries violent DC Cooper
BBC

In June, Gary spoke to us about coming out to his family and friends in his late teens, admitting it was a difficult experience.

His revelation came at the start of Robbie and Will's domestic abuse storyline.

The TV star, who grew up in Glasgow's tough Castlemilk district, had been used to speculation about his sexuality because Shieldinch fans regularly grilled him about it.

Gary's been in a relationship with his partner for over a year and says they have "no plans to marry in the immediate future".

But he reckons his own personal situation gives the storyline authenticity.

Gary said: "For us it's brilliant that we get to tackle something like this.

"As a gay man, I get an input into this.

"I know how to pitch things and I'll say if I don't think something's right or if it's too flowery.

"It's protected from stereotypes by that.

"I'm very protective of it and there's a responsibility there to make the subject matter truthful." Robbie and Will's civil ceremony is set to air on Tuesday night's episode of River City.

Gary's co-star Scott Ryan Vickers, who plays DC Will Cooper, revealed he's become the go-to actor for playing gay characters ? despite being straight in real life.

Scott, 35, said: "I'm straight but I've played a gay character in Channel 4's Sirens and I've played another gay character before that, so for some reason it seems I'm the go-to guy for gay characters on the acting scene.

"To be honest, it's not too different acting out a gay scene than it would be with a female actress. Because it's before the watershed, we don't kiss or do anything intimate so it's not a massive difference.

"If you like the person who you're playing the scene with, it makes it that bit easier.

"Gary and I are great friends on set, so there is chemistry there already and that makes my job a lot easier.

"But at the end of the day it's the same as acting with an actress.

"It's not real either way so it really doesn't cross my mind."

Best pals ... Gary and Pamela
BBC

Scott's character arrived in Shieldinch just over six months ago and already he's tackled a huge storyline involving domestic abuse. And now he's set to make River City history by being one of the first gay characters to get married.

Scott added: "It's great. I'm absolutely loving it.

"As an actor you want the big story lines so I couldn't be more lucky.

"I've been playing Will for over six months, so it's been a bit of a whirlwind with the domestic violence and now this.

"But I absolutely agree with civil partnerships, otherwise I can imagine it would be quite a difficult character to play.

"It's important in the 21st century that we get that message across that it's more than normal to be gay.

"We definitely need to move on from the taboo." And despite being a newbie on Montego Street, Manchester-born Scott sees himself staying in Glasgow long-term.

Scott said: "It looks like Will is really getting involved and I'm very happy to stay. I'll be here for a while, if not for a long period of time.

"Without giving too much away, Will still has some demons to face as far as the violence goes.

"We definitely haven't seen the last of that story line.

"Not just that but I've really settled into Glasgow now. We film in three month blocks, and after the first block I went down south for a break, but when I came back I really felt like I was welcomed back. I was getting messages from people on Twitter saying how much they liked the character and really lovely things so I'd be happy to stay on for as long as they'll have me."

Meanwhile, Gary has told how his latest dramatic storyline brings an end to an incredible year.

He has already had to say goodbye to co-star and real-life best pal Pamela Byrne.

The pair are so close that Gary even gave her away at her plush New York wedding. Now that Pamela has quit the show, Gary admits that the gay marriage storyline focused his thoughts.

He added: "It too real and horrible to not get right.

"If someone's out there in a similar situation, you want it to strike a chord for them. It's a very current subject.

"We, the cast, are just doing what we're given.

"We need to deal with current issues.

"To be at the forefront of TV drama you can't deal with dated issues. It's about staying relevant."


River City is on BBC1 Scotland at 8pm on Tuesday.

Gary Lamont reveals pride at being part of hit soap's first civil union

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By Steve Hendry | 4 Nov 2012 00:01

River City actor Gary Lamont reveals pride at being part of hit soap's first civil union

LAMONT plays hairdresser Robbie Fraser in the BBC Scotland soap and is preparing for the programme's first civil partnership as he ties the not with onscreen boyfriend Will.

River City

WHEN River City actor Gary Lamont came out as gay earlier this year, he didn’t realise he would become a role model.

But the actor, who stars as hairdresser Robbie Fraser in the BBC Scotland soap, won an award in August for inspiring others.

He hopes he will continue to do so as he gets set for River City’s first civil partnership to his onscreen boyfriend Will, played by Scott Ryan Vickers, despite the fact he is violent towards him.

Gary, 28, came out in press interviews in June. He has had positive feedback, particularly being given the Inspiration Award by LGBT Youth Scotland.

He said: “I was given the award by these young people who have the strength and courage to stand up for what they believe in. I don’t know if I would have done so young.

“I have never tried to hide it – I just didn’t feel I wanted to talk about it. As the years go on, I have got a bit more mature and thought, ‘What is my place in the world and should I defend it?’

“It was no great political stroke – they got me on a day when I was like, ‘Yes, I am a gay man’. It’s never going to change so there is no point hiding it. I am who I am and that’s okay.”

River City

Gary, who grew up in Castlemilk, Glasgow, added: “I am being given more responsibility. Scott and I are the face of these issues with regards to River City.

“I was nervous going into it, reading it in the script. We have never tackled a gay wedding. It’s a big thing.”

Indeed, the Scottish Government’s plans to legalise same-sex marriage have proved contentious, with the Catholic Church speaking out against it.

The debate led to gay rights group Stonewall branding Cardinal Keith O’Brien as Bigot Of The Year at an awards ceremony last week, before they were accused of being intolerant for doing so.

While River City is not getting involved in politics, Gary hopes his screen partnership can help positive debate.

He said: “It is putting it in people’s minds. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, just as long as it is open for discussion. Times have changed and we have to change with them.”

He knows people will talk because of the feedback he has already had from fans over the domestic abuse Robbie has suffered at the hands of policeman partner Will.

He said: “Public reaction has been amazing. I get people saying to me, ‘When are you going to hit him back?’ I get old grannies saying, ‘He’s not a nice man’. They love Robbie – it’s lovely.”

The wedding plot thickens in River City this week when Robbie is hounded by Will’s dad to take a pay-off and leave his son.

When he turns to drink to try to escape the pressure, Will is less than impressed and they wonder about calling it off.

But things ease when Robbie’s best pal Hayley – played by Pamela Byrne – returns and announces she is pregnant.

Gary, who has a long-term partner, has no plans to follow his screen alter ego. He said: “I know some 28-year-olds are running down the aisle but I’m in no rush.”

- River City is on BBC1 on Tuesday at 8pm.

Gary Lamont tells of his heartbreak over the knife death of friend

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By Marion Scott | 29 Jan 2012 00:00

Scots actor Gary Lamont tells of his heartbreak over the knife death of friend

EXCLUSIVE: RIVER City star Gary Lamont has revealed his heartbreak after a childhood friend was killed in a knife attack.

RIVER City star Gary Lamont has revealed his heartbreak after a childhood friend was killed in a knife attack.

Gary, 26, who plays River City hairdresser Robbie Fraser, said his friend PJ Douglass was like a brother.

The actor said: “We grew up together. We spent holidays and Christmases together – his mum was like my mum.

“I can’t come to terms with the fact PJ won’t achieve his dreams, he won’t live out his life and I won’t see him again.”

PJ, 20, from East Kilbride, was killed after being stabbed during a row with a friend’s neighbour on April 29, the day of the Royal Wedding.

John Steele, 33, who had previous convictions for drugs, offensive weapons and violence, walked free from the High Court in Glasgow days before Christmas after being found not guilty of PJ’s murder and claiming self-defence.

Senior advocate depute Jennifer Bain told the court Steele had attacked PJ after a fracas in the entry outside his home.
Gary said: “When I heard the verdict, I was stunned. PJ was like my little brother. Our mothers are best friends. We were one big happy family together.

“You read about knife crime all the time but, when it happens to someone you know, it’s surreal. I don’t think I’ll ever come to terms with this.

“PJ was so proud of me becoming an actor and I was so proud of his achievements.

“The hardest thing I’ve had to do in my life was stand up at his funeral and say my goodbyes. I called on all my training as an actor but, even then, my heart was breaking inside.

“I can only hope PJ’s death will show other kids what can happen, how dangerous knives are.

“When you’re young, you think you are invincible and nothing can touch you. But look at PJ and all the broken hearts he leaves behind.”

Gary and PJ were both members of the Jeely Piece Club in Castlemilk, Glasgow. The organisation was set up by ordinary mums 36 years ago to keep kids safe, giving them somewhere to go in one of the toughest housing schemes in Scotland.

Over two decades, PJ’s mum Maureen, 53, and Gary’s mum Grace, also 53, reached out to thousands of kids.

Gary said: “We were all proud to be Jeely Piece kids. Maureen helped so many kids.”

When he was just 16, PJ was such a promising chef that he was picked to cook for JK Rowling and former First Minister Jack McConnell.

Maureen said: “That was one of the proudest moments of his life.”
Hundreds joined Maureen on a march against knife crime after PJ became the 14th person to die in a year in South Lanarkshire as the mum-of-two struggled through her own grief to appeal for no further violence.

She said: “I was very aware PJ’s friends and the community as a whole were deeply upset by what had happened.

“If other kids can learn about the dangers of knife crime by hearing what happened to PJ, that’s the legacy I want for him.”

Maureen and other concerned parents have started an organisation called Communities United to Promoting Inclusion in East Kilbride.

She is determined to petition the Lord Advocate and the Justice Secretary to consider culpable homicide charges against Steele, who admitted delivering wraps of heroin just before PJ was killed.

Maureen said: “Witness after witness told the court Steele stabbed PJ with a sword. I want him taken back to court and tried for culpable homicide.”

Gary Lamont hopes plot inspires other gay men

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'River City' actor Gary Lamont hopes plot inspires other gay men

Published Thursday, Jun 14 2012, 20:14 BST | By Paul Millar

Gary Lamont has said that he hopes his River City storyline inspires other gay men to come out to their families.

The Scottish soap actor's character Robbie Fraser will soon suffer domestic violence from partner Will Cooper (Scott Ryan Vickers).

Robbie's policeman boyfriend Will pins him up against the wall moments after he proposes to him.

Lamont told the Daily Record: "I hope a storyline like this opens up a dialogue for people if they need it. It could become a catalyst for conversation. People tell me they watch River City with their mums, a lot of guys especially."

Referring to his own homosexuality, the star recalled: "When I first told my mum it was mortifying, there were a lot of tears. Mum's biggest thing was worrying what people would say about me, without really knowing me.

"But it's all fine now. It's just one part of my life, one aspect of my character. It's not what defines me."

Lamont, who has been with the BBC serial since 2009, has never previously spoken about his sexuality.

"I've never really felt the need to mention it before, but I'm in a relationship with a man and I'm very happy," he explained. "I don't talk about my partner publicly, because this is work and he's not part of that."

River City continues next Tuesday at 8pm on BBC One Scotland.

Gary Lamont has decided to go public about his sexuality — saying: I’m gay and proud.

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Shieldinch star opens heart on sexuality

Inspiration ... actor Gary wants to pave the way for more gay characters to appear on TV shows
BBC

By MARC DEANIE Published: 13th June 2012

RIVER City star Gary Lamont has decided to go public about his sexuality — saying: I’m gay and proud.

The 28-year-old — who plays camp crimper Robbie Fraser — today opens his heart in an interview with The Scottish Sun.

His revelation comes as his Shieldinch character Robbie is at the centre of a gay domestic abuse storyline.

Gary said: “I’ve been okay with it for a long time now so it’s part of my life.

“I know it’s still a bit of a talking point and a sensitive subject for people but for me it really isn’t. And it shouldn’t be for anyone else.”

Gary, who grew up in Glasgow’s tough Castlemilk district, came out to family and friends in his late teens. He admits it was a difficult experience.

He said: “It’s usually mortifying talking about it to be honest.

“Going back to my experiences is always weird because I remember the whole thing being embarrassing.

“My brother and sister wouldn’t have to say who they were going out with and go through the same thing. I wanted everyone to know so they could get over it.”

Double act ... Pamela Byrne
BBC

The TV star is used to specula- tion about his sexuality — because fans of the BBC Scotland soap regularly grill him about it.

He said: “It’s the first question people always ask — are you gay?

“I’ve got a bit gallus now and will turn it around and say, ‘Why are you asking me if I’m gay?’

“They don’t really realise what they’re asking.

“Because I’m in their living rooms every week they feel that they know me. But for me, it’s a perfect stranger asking a question about my life.

“It can be difficult sometimes when people say, ‘you’re just like him’ or ‘you’re just playing yourself’.

“Friends that I’m with sometimes get shocked by how forward people can be.”

Gary is a graduate of Glasgow’s Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He was a support worker for people with learning difficulties and mental health problems before landing his big telly break.

Gary admits his life has changed dramatically since joining the popular show three years ago.

He added: “I wasn’t prepared for the scrutiny at all. When I got the part, the producers gave me some advice and I was guarded for a long time because of the nature of the character.

“People were probably thinking ‘if he’s anything like that character then we can get a bit of juicy gossip’ It was all new to me.

“It’s still weird and I don’t think I’ll ever get completely used to it.”

Life wasn’t always simple for Gary before coming out to his loved ones — he had a GIRLFRIEND at 16.

Male admirers will be disappointed to know that he ISN’T single — he has been in a relationship for over a year. Gary said: “My partner’s not in showbiz, he’s a great guy with a normal job.”

The actor’s alter-ego Robbie is Montego Street’s second homosexual character.

Original cast member Tony Kearney played gay barman Scott Wallace for eight years before being axed from the show in 2010.

River City ... Gary as crimper Robbie with on-screen boyfriend Will
BBC

Gary said: “Even back then, we had moved forward so much.

“There have been leaps and bounds when it comes to people being able to be open about their sexuality.

“You can be honest now. It helps the situation 25 and 30 years down the line when it’ll just be normal.

“Tony played Scott for years and we used to joke a lot about our roles. He used to have wild fantasies of playing Scott really camp like the way I play Robbie.”

Gary — who also starred in STV’s Scottish Passport earlier this year — hopes there will be more gay characters on telly.

He said: “I always used to say that the fact I’m playing a gay character — and a profound one — on TV is so amazing in itself.

“We’re being represented. Obviously Robbie is quite a stereotypical version but it’s TV, it’s heightened, it’s drama and we have artistic license to do that.”

Robbie has become a popular character since arriving in Shieldinch and has formed a hilarious double act with fellow crimper Hayley McCrone — played by Gary’s pal Pamela Byrne — who’s leaving the programme.

Gary has been desperate for his character to find love in the soap — even if he feared it might get him SACKED.

He said: “I used to always joke that the minute they gave him a boyfriend and settled him down I’d be out the door.

“That’s because so much of his antics were born out of desperation and looking for love.

“Thankfully I’ve never felt insecure in my job and I think if I did feel like that, maybe it would be time to leave.”

marc.deanie@the-sun.co.uk

Gary Lamont - Interview

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