Tom Daley's Coming Out 'Brilliant,' Russell Tovey Says

British actor Russell Tovey has praised Olympic diver Tom Daley's coming out as “brilliant.”

Tovey appears in his first gay role in the upcoming HBO drama Looking, which premieres on Sunday, January 19, and has been cast to play a gay footballer in John Tiffany's play The Pass.

The 32-year-old openly gay Tovey, who has been acting since the age of 11, told The Huffington Post that he wanted his first gay role to be something substantial “that really moves things forward.”

He also commented on Tom Daley coming out in a casual video posted last month on YouTube.

(Related: Tom Daley says “It really was love at first sight”)

“That was what was so brilliant about what he did – the video was very casual, not even beautifully lit, just him lying on his bed going, 'Oh fuck it, now's the time. Yes, guys, here it is. Done. Gone. Sending it out there; see what happens' …,” Tovey said.

“I messaged him and said, 'I'm proud of you, it's brilliant what you've done, mate.' He just said, 'Thanks.' He's really sweet,” he added.

Tovey also said that he's in a happy 4-year relationship.