Cole: 'Will Young helped gay contestants'

Cheryl Cole has praised Will Young for helping gay contestants have the confidence to be open about their sexuality when they audition for The X Factor.

Discussing the issue in Attitude, the judge told Young that he set the precedent by coming out after winning the inaugural Pop Idol in 2002.

"I think maybe you helped that by coming out. They don't feel like they have to hide it anymore. They've watched you and they think they can succeed and be open with their sexuality," she said.

Cole claimed that she is not interested in a contestant's sexual orientation but rather in their ability to sing and perform well.

"It's kind of making an issue of something. People don't come and go, 'Hi! Hi! I'm straight! I'm straight! I'm gonna sing such and such'. You are what you are. You shouldn't have to explain either way, whether you're straight or gay," she said.

"It shouldn't be an issue. It should be a case of you're talented. People like you. Full stop. I don't think you should have to explain. I'm glad that shows like The X Factor are showing all the different types of people out there."

Earlier this month, fellow judge Dannii Minogue was forced to apologise after making remarks about contestant Danyl Johnson's sexuality during a live show.