Glee fans of the gay variety are said to have been encouraged to come out of the closet after reacting to the show’s character of catty cheerleader and secret lesbian, Santana Lopez.

Actress and singer Naya, Rivera, who plays the smouldering figure of high school hostility, has spoken to FHM Magazine about how fans reacted to her character who despite showing great sexual aggression towards the guys, really has a penchant for the ladies (namely her best friend and co-cheerleader, Brittany).

Rivera has stated that her storyline has been very beneficial for lots of her fans, speaking about the positive influence of her character’s progression into her own sexuality.

“The reaction has been overwhelming,” Rivera claims. “I’ve had tons of mail from fans about how my storyline enabled them to come out.”

Season two saw characters Santana and Brittany (played by Heather Morris) take part in a girl-on-girl love scene, and by the end of the last series Santana had come out to herself but not her peers, as she realises she is in fact madly in love with Brittany.

With Santana’s catty and sarcastic comments and her flirtatious ways towards the unavailable boys, Naya has confirmed she is nothing like her character. Fans are awaiting the next tell all Season of Glee with baited breath.