Young Hollyoaks actor Gabriel Clark has revealed that he has been receiving homophobic abuse from online trolls since he joined the Channel 4 show.

The 22-year-old, who is openly gay, took over the role of troubled teen Ollie Morgan on the soap last year.

Taking to his Instagram Stories on Thursday, he wrote: "Sorry to interrupt your evening with negativity but I just want to make it clear that there is no room on my platform for homophobia, racism, prejudice or hate.

"I've been receiving, and ignoring homophobic abuse in my DMs for the last few weeks but some people have started to comment on my posts.

"I won't be sharing what was said but the comments have been removed the accounts blocked.

"To be clear: there is absolutely no space in my life or on my social media for racism.

"I deal with homophobia in my personal life, I will not be dealing with it on here. I am gay and I am proud to be.

"Sorry to have to post this, sending my love to everyone."

Hollyoaks continues weeknights on Channel 4 and E4.