Hollyoaks star Peter McPherson broke down in tears as he shared his HIV diagnosis.
The actor spoke about living with the virus for the first time on Thursday as he opened up to Graeme Smith for Virgin Radio Pride. Peter, who previously starred as Gareth in the Channel 4 soap, was joined by his husband David Allwood.
Peter, explained he was already living with HIV when he met his now-husband in 2013. He recalled: "We were in Singapore at the time and, because I was always told it's really important when you have a sexual partner that you tell them... When I was first diagnosed there was two camps, there was people on treatment straight away and then there was delayed treatment because they didn't know how it would affect in the long term.
"So, I was delayed but, yeah, I told you straight away and I was gobsmacked by David because he knew his stuff and he wasn't phased by it and that just put me at ease straight away." The actor revealed that he had previously had to deal with hurtful messages from potential sexual partners he'd met online after he was honest about his condition.
He shared: "I've had messages, people saying things like, 'Such a shame you spoilt yourself, you've ruined yourself.' Luckily I'm quite strong willed and in a good place mentally, but that can be very damaging to someone who's not."
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Peter previously starred as Gareth in the Channel 4 soap
Peter opened up on his diagnosis with his husband David by his sidePeter, whose interview was shared with The Sun ahead of its 6pm broadcast on Thursday, is currently on drug Delstrigo, which keeps the amount of HIV in a patient's blood at a low level and helps to prevent the virus damaging to the immune system. Meanwhile, David is on PrEP, which decreases the risk of developing HIV by roughly 99 percent, with David still testing negative after 11 years.
The actor revealed he was given his diagnosis after ending up in hospital with flu-like symptoms. Peter declined to go to a sexual health clinic initially and instead went home to Google his symptoms with his parents.
He then called a helpline and visited a clinic for a rapid test. After testing positive, Peter broke the news to his father, explaining through tears: "The first thing he said was, 'How long has he got left to live?' The lucky thing is that I was surrounded by medical professional people - the people who could explain, people who could tell him what was going to happen. They put him at ease."
Doctors assured Peter and his father that the actor would "live a long, healthy life". He added: "In one way, I'm really fortunate that my parents and my family have always known from day one. I've never had to keep a secret from them. They've always, you know, supportive." Peter explained he regularly gets tested and is "still undetectable".
For support, advice and information, call Terrence Higgins Trust Direct on 0808 802 1221 or email at info@tht.org.uk.
- Listen to Peter's interview on Virgin Radio Pride at 6pm today, or catch up later on the Virgin Radio Pridecast.
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