Blood star defends gay roles for straight actors

DIARMUID Noyes, star of the Irish TV series, Blood, has defended straight actors playing gay roles in film and TV. The 30-year-old is currently starring as troubled Michael Hogan who comes out to his father, played by Adrian Dunbar, in tonight’s penultimate episode of Virgin Media’s psychological drama. Hollywood has recently faced criticism for giving LGBT roles to straight actors. Scarlet Johansson recently pulled out of playing the role of a transgender man following a backlash. The Dublin actor said: ‘My belief is that regardless of whether you’re gay or straight or bi or transsexual, it’s just who understands the character.’ The show airs at 9pm.