The Full Monty spoilers follow.
The Full Monty star Steve Huison has revealed a touching fan response to the franchise's LGBTQ+ representation.
The actor, who returns as Lomper in the new FX and Disney+ sequel series, broke ground in the original 1997 movie when his character begins a same-sex relationship with Guy (Hugo Speer).
Speaking to Digital Spy, Huison was asked about a romantic scene in the new series with his husband involving pigeons and the importance of more mature LGBTQ+ representation, which spurred him on to recall a fan encounter.
Related: Why that Full Monty queer moment is more special than you realise
Opening up about a recent screening, he said: "There was a really interesting comment. A chap got up and said that he was really thankful for the film. This had never really crossed my mind: you don't know how that film is going to affect people.
"Anyway, he said that, for him, it was the first time he'd seen a gay relationship representation of northern working class men.
"It gave him the confidence in his own sexuality at the time. I thought: 'Just that, on its own, that's quite something.' It's the power of art, the power of film.
Related: The Full Monty TV series shares first-look at returning original cast
"But now, looking at that relationship, what you find now is it's not covert anymore. It's not holding hands secretly. It's normalisation, which, you know, has to be a good thing," Huison continued.
"This is just two people. It doesn't matter what gender. They're just two people who love each other, that have chosen to spend their lives together. It's normal. You can use that word [laughs]. It's a normal relationship. It doesn't matter if it's two men, two women, or what."
The Full Monty series is streaming now on Disney+, along with the original film which is also available to watch on the streaming service. In the US it's available on Hulu.
Best Entertainment and Tech Deals
Coronation Street X Joanie - Gilroy Retro Newton And Ridley Sweatshirt
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
