‘Arrow’ and ‘Teen Wolf’ star Colton Haynes has officially come out as gay, publicly confirming his sexuality for the first time since a series of old modelling photos surfaced online and started his fans speculating.

The 27 year old actor was speaking in a new interview with Entertainment Weekly when he made the announcement. When asked about the reaction to his message in the wake of the old modelling photos being posted on Tumblr back in January, when he wrote “was it a secret?” in response to a fan who had mentioned a “secret gay past”, he reflected that he wasn’t quite ready to come out at the time but was surprised as to how it was received.

Colton HaynesColton Haynes has come out as gay

“It was a complete shock,” he remembered. “I wasn't ready to be back in the headlines. I should have made a comment or a statement, but I just wasn't ready. I didn't feel like I owed anyone anything. I think in due time, everyone has to make those decisions when they're ready, and I wasn't yet. But I felt like I was letting people down by not coming forward with the rest of what I should have said.”

More alarmingly, Haynes revealed what the episode did to him, saying that he was in and out of rehab seeking treatment for anxiety.

More: Colton Haynes says lifelong battle with anxiety has left him with agoraphobia

“People want you to be that ‘GQ’ image that you put out, but people don’t realize what it’s like to act 24 hours a day. I’d go home and I was still acting,” Haynes explained. “People who are so judgmental about those who are gay or different don’t realize that acting 24 hours a day is the most exhausting thing in the world.”

After his ordeal, he also revealed that he’s in a much better place having revealed his secret to those nearest and dearest to him, as well as the rest of the world.

“It took me so long to get to this point, but I’m doing so good,” he said. “I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and healthier than I’ve ever been, and that’s what I care about.”

More: ‘Teen Wolf’s Colton Haynes saved from parking ticket fiasco by one of the show’s fans [archive]