Hollyoaks actor Peter McPherson has opened up on his HIV diagnosis (Picture: Channel 4)
Hollyoaks star Peter McPherson has revealed his HIV diagnosis in an emotional interview.
The actor, who played Gareth on the soap opera, broke down in tears as he bravely opened up about living with the virus during an interview with Virgin Radio Pride.
Peter was joined in the studio by his husband David Allwood as he told how he has been HIV positive for over 10 years.
The soap star recalled how he informed his partner of his diagnosis when they first met in 2013.
‘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…,’ he said.
‘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.’
Peter also confessed that he had previously received hurtful messages from potential partners he’d met online after being honest about his condition.
He added: ‘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.’
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which targets the immune system and reduces the body’s ability to fight everyday infections and diseases.
If left untreated, HIV can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), but thanks to today’s medicine, those with HIV can lead full, healthy lives providing they receive and maintain treatment upon early diagnosis.
Peter played Gareth in Hollyoaks over the past year. The character was introduced as a victim of conversion therapist Carter Shepherd (David Ames), who was subjected to the cruel practice at the twisted school headmaster’s hands.
Gareth came to discover that Carter had slept with John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) and proceeded to blackmail the school principal, threatening to leak video footage of them together if he didn’t ‘repent’.
Despite this, Carter was able to manipulate Gareth into supporting him once again, preying on his vulnerability as he and Gareth kidnapped John Paul and attempted to baptise him. With John Paul almost dying following the incident, Gareth fled the scene and hasn’t been seen since.
Source:: Metro
