A big thumbs up to Julian Simmons, undoubtedly Ulster’s man of the year, who has talked publicly for the first time about being gay.

Rumour and innuendo have followed Simmons through his career on UTV — but usually only from those who spend most of their time saying that it doesn’t really matter or that, of course, they are very liberal about things like that.

Meanwhile, the hard core of Ulster’s moral majority have known all the time and really couldn’t care less. They just think Julian’s great fun.

Just as they’re quite happy to accept he’s 42 if that’s what he says he is, as he did his ‘coming out’ interview at the weekend. There, there Julian, of course you are.

The disclosure will only add to Simmons’ appeal — a dash of dignity, humour and honesty goes a long way.

He remains the most accomplished live performer that UTV has on air — unflappable, professional and engaging.

He has also struck a blow on behalf of those thousands of Ulster males who, as he says, will never marry the girl next door.

Let’s hope other celebrities find it within themselves to be just as open. As Julian’s revelations show, there really is nothing to worry about.