Former Coronation Street star Matilda Freeman has been praised by her fans after she came out as bisexual.
The 17-year-old was asked what her sexuality was on social media and she revealed that she is attracted to both men and women.
After she made the post she was sent messages by her fans sending their support and praising her for being so open.
Matilda, who played Summer Spellman from 2017 to 2020, said all the support "means the world" to her as she thanked her loyal followers for sending their love.
She had taken questions from her followers on Instagram, saying "asking me something" followed by a love heart emoji.
"I'm bisexual," Matilda simply answered, adding another love heart to the post.
After fans sent their support, she returned to her Instagram Stories to thank everyone for getting in touch.
Matilda said: "Can I just say – thank you for all the love and support I've received after making my sexuality aware on my socials.
"I really wasn't expecting it and it means the absolute world, you guys are amazing. I love you all."
Matilda last appeared in Corrie as Summer in August last year.
On her Instagram stories, Matilda explained that she'd decided to leave Corrie to "able to work on other shows/films/projects".
She said: "When you work at Corrie you're under a contract which means you can't work on anything else while you’re there – so it was quite limiting."
Matilda featured in several big storylines during her time in the soap, including Todd Grimshaw's initial exit and Billy Mayhew's drug addiction.
The character is still on the ITV soap but with actress Harriet Bibby now playing the role.
Ahead of joining the cast, Harriet said: "I am so thrilled to be joining the cast of Coronation Street.
"My family have watched the show for years and I already feel part of the family.
"Matilda has wished me good luck, which was lovely! I'm looking forward to bringing Summer's sass and sparkle to the screen."
The character is involved in the hate crime storyline which saw the assault of Nina Lucas and the death of Seb Franklin.
She has been riddled with guilt about her actions on the day of the attacks, despite leaving before they happened.
The storyline has been praised for depicting hate crimes against people who dress differently.
*Coronation Streets continues on Friday on ITV at 9pm
