Gay sports stars and entertainers are forced to live a double life with ‘pretend’ girlfriends rather than openly come out about their sexuality.

In two revealing interviews, tough guy footballer Joey Barton and TV soap star Charlie Condou have both spoken out about the fears of homophobia in public life.

Barton, playing for Premiership Queens Park Rangers, criticised managers and players who fail to support gay team mates.

He also revealed his uncle hid is sexuality for year over concerns about rejection among his family and friends.

“It’s a subject quite close to my heart because my dad’s youngest brother, the youngest of my uncles, is gay. And I didn’t know for a long, long time,” said Barton in The Sun.

“He thought because of the society that we were brought up in, which was quite working class, that it would be frowned upon or that we would disown him.

“So for a lot of years he was in turmoil and was resenting himself for the fact he had these feelings.”

Meanwhile, Condou, writing in The Guardian, claimed coming out ruined actor Rupert Everett’s career – and his views are reflected in a recent survey from entertainer’s union Equity.

The findings showed only 57% of gay actors feel they can be open about their sexuality to their agents.

“A previous agent of mine once told me to keep quiet about my sexuality and, though I am out, I do not broadcast it,” said one.

Condou also explained many of Hollywood’s biggest stars are gay – but refuse to admit their sexuality.

“I can’t relate at all. For my entire career I’ve never had a problem being frank about my sexuality, never felt I’ve been turned down for a role on the basis of being gay, and have only played three gay characters in a career that spans 20 years,” wrote Condou.

“The idea that keeping your sexuality a secret will win you better and more varied roles is a lame excuse – often the result of internalised homophobia rather than reality. The industry has moved on and it’s time actors did as well.”

Condou also wrote about gay actors he knew who had told the media they have girlfriends and want to settle down as a family rather than admit the truth about their lifestyle.