Darren Hayes has revealed that Michael Jackson inspired him to come out.

The 'On The Verge Of Something Wonderful' star came out last year when he entered into a civil partnership with his long-term partner Richard Cullen.

He insisted that Michael Jackson gave him the strength to confront his sexuality, telling Attitude: "I owe my coming out to Michael Jackson, basically. He came from a similar upbringing and family to mine.

"He was a sensitive young thing with a stern and violent father who forced himself down a creative avenue as a means of escape. I connected to that gorgeous, wounded creature that he was."