Union J: X Factor finalist Jaymi Hensley reveals he is gay

By Lucy Buckland

PUBLISHED: 04:04 EST, 18 November 2012 | UPDATED: 06:55 EST, 18 November 2012

Union J's Jaymi Hensley has revealed he is gay - and said mentor Louis Walsh inspired him to come out.

The X factor finalist has been in a relationship with his boyfriend, a hairdresser, for three years and said they plan to marry and have children.

Jaymi, 22, said: 'Every boyband has got to have a gay one! And Louis just said: "Do it!"'

Relieved: Jaymi Hensley said his mentor Louis Walsh encouraged him to come out publicly

Bandmates Josh Cuthburt, George Shelley and Jamie Hamblett have known since Union J were dreamed up and fully support his decision.

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Speaking to The Sun On Sunday the boyband member said: 'I didn't want to do it in five year's time when I? have a career. I don't think anyone should have to hide who they are.'

Jaymi, who has decided not to name his 21-year-old boyfriend, said he came out to his parents when he was 14 and is thankful that he has never had any negative comments.

Supported: Jaymi said his bandmates Jamie Hamblett, George Shelley and Josh Cuthbert back his decision to reveal all

He added: 'I don't want people to think I have hidden this to gain votes because I am so proud of who I am.'

The heartthrob is not the only openly gay finalist in this year's show - he joins Rylan Clark, Lucy Sparggan and jade Ellis.

But he said his decision to come out publicly was inspired by a young fan who tweeted him asking if the rumours he was gay were true.

Thumbs up: Union J performed Carly Rae Jepson's hit track Call Me Maybe, with mixed reactions from the judges

Call me maybe? Nicole criticised Union J on their lack of staging, saying the highlight of the performance was them jumping off the box

Jaymi said he wanted to encourage people to be who they are so decided to reveal all.

And being thrust into the spotlight has been a little tricky for Jaymi, who has struck up a close freindship with Katie Price.

After being spotted with six girls from ITV hit show Take Me Out the singer's boyfriend rang him asking him what he had been up to.

But he added X Factor bosses and mentor Louis had been a great help with his decision.

'If I can help just one kid out, that's enough for me.'

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