Our favourite X Factor contestant Bella Penfold says she is glad she ignored friends’ advice to hide her sexuality on the show - and is glad she can be open with the judges and fans of the programme.  

Speaking for the first time about her girlfriend Tasha Johnstone, she admitted coming out was difficult for her mum to accept. But now she’s proud to have become a role model for the LGBTQ community watching the ITV talent show.

"I didn’t come out until I was 16 or 17 so I wasn’t really ever bullied as a child"

My friends were mature enough by then to understand. I’ve been blessed I haven’t had abuse. It doesn’t phase me walking down the street, holding hands with a girl.

We haven’t been going out very long. She was my best friend for a while. I kept dropping hints I liked her and after a year-and-a-half of chasing her I got the girl.“We are really happy.”