John Barrowman defends exposing himself on TV sets as wanting to keep ‘jokey atmosphere’

JOHN Barrowman has defended exposing himself on TV and film sets as wanting to “maintain a jokey atmosphere”.

It comes after The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed in May that ITV was under pressure to axe him as a Dancing on Ice judge as bosses wanted to protect their family-friendly image.

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John Barrowman has defended exposing himself on TV and film sets as wanting to ‘maintain a jokey atmosphere’Credit: Getty

The Doctor Who actor, 54, has claimed that the scandal was “upsetting” to his mental health and that he has been a victim of ‘cancel culture’.

In an interview yesterday in the Daily Mail’s Weekend magazine, John, who played Captain Jack Harkness on sci-fi series since 2005, said: “I’ve never been someone who’s embarrassed about his body so it didn’t bother me if anyone saw me naked.

“The motivation for what I’d call my ‘tomfoolery’ was to maintain a jokey atmosphere.

“There was absolutely nothing sexual about my actions and nor have I ever been accused of that.

“In the theatre quick costume changes happen in the wings all the time, with everyone stripping off to get into their new outfits in time for the next scene.

“Girls might be braless, boys only in jockstraps. That’s just how it is and no one gives it a second thought. But I accept that my behaviour at the time could have caused offence.’

John admitted that his BBC executive producer Julie Gardner spoke to him about his antics after receiving a complaint.

He said: “My antics had come to her attention and she told me I should rein in my behaviour.

“In blunt terms, she had just two words of advice: ‘Grow up!’

John is now seeing a therapist to deal with his mental health since the scandal. He said: “It was upsetting to my mental health. I won’t discuss what I’ve said in therapy sessions – that’s a matter of doctor/patient confidentiality – but I don’t mind admitting it’s helped me a great deal.

In an interview with Weekend magazine he added: “My problem with cancel culture, on the other hand, is that it can take the form of intolerance and prejudice. It’s a culture with no shades of grey. There’s no leeway for forgiveness or room for recognising any change in someone’s behaviour.”

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The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed in May that ITV was under pressure to axe the star as a Dancing on Ice judge as bosses wanted to protect their family-friendly imageCredit: Getty John Barrowman breaks his silence after being axed from Dancing on Ice after claims of inappropriate behaviour