The Bachelor star Colton Underwood has come out as gay two years on from appearing on the popular dating show.

The 29-year-old first appeared as a contestant on The Bachelorette in 2018 before returning as the leading man in a new season of The Bachelor the following year.

Underwood - a former tight end with NFL side the San Diego Chargers - got together with Cassie Randolph during the show but the couple later suffered a messy breakup, prompting him to come to terms with his sexuality.

"I've ran from myself for a long time and I've hated myself for a long time," he told ABC's Good Morning America. "I'm gay.

"I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it, and the next step in all of this is sort of letting people know. I'm still nervous. It's been a journey, for sure."

A statement from the show's executive producers said: "We are so inspired by Colton Underwood's courage to embrace and pursue his authentic self.

"As firm believers in the power of love, we celebrate Colton's journey in the LGBTQIA+ community every step of the way."

Underwood also issued a public apology to Randolph, who at one point took out a restraining order against him, admitting that he had caused "pain and emotional stress" during their short-lived romance.