Robbie Williams and Jason Donavon among the stars previously at the centre of 'gay' controversy

Robbie Williams

In 2005 the singer accepted £200,000 in libel damages over untrue claims in The People newspaper and Richard Desmond’s Star and Hot Star magazines alleging that he had engaged in casual homosexual sex. Williams has since married and celebrated the birth of his first child.

Chris Moyles

Ofcom ruled that the Radio 1 Breakfast host “promoted and condoned certain negative stereotypes based on sexual orientation” when he mocked the gay singer Will Young in a high-pitched, effeminate voice, singing “now I'm the gayest fella you probably know.” Ofcom warned Moyles’ behaviour could encourage playground bullies.

Jason Donovan

Successfully sued The Face in 1992 after style magazine wrongly implied that the actor was secretly gay. The action lost Donovan the support of many fans and he admits now “Had I known what I know now I probably would have left it to rest, but it was an injustice and it was a decision I made.”

Jeremy Clarkson

When a Top Gear audience member described a car as “gay”, Clarkson weighed in “it’s a bit ginger beer”. A BBC investigation found there was “no editorial purpose” for the rhyming slang and reminded Clarkson of “the importance of avoiding derogatory references to sexual orientation.”