Russell Tovey announces ‘completely unexpected’ engagement to his boyfriend Steve Brockman

Russell Tovey, star of The Flash and The History Boys, has announced his engagement to his boyfriend and fitness coach Steve Brockman.

The actor announced his engagement on social media over the weekend, telling friends and family that he’s “over the moon.”

Confirming the news to Digital Spy, Tovey revealed that Brockman had been the one to propose.

He said: “Completely unexpected but very very happy and looking forward to having a proper party to celebrate when back in London.”

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Tovey is currently in New York filming for the third season of thriller drama Quantico.

The 36-year-old had his breakout role in the BBC show Being Human and has since become an international star.

In an interview prior to the release of his film The Pass, the actor said that being gay was the best thing to happen to him and that playing gay characters had elevated his career.

The star said he realised his sexuality at 14, and never looked back.

“Honestly, it’s the best thing that ever happened to me, being gay,’ Tovey said. ‘It’s made my career.”

He continued: “For so long, as a young actor, I had this anxiety about making sure I could get straight roles, and now I know that’s not necessary. The gay roles are the best for me.”

(Photo: steve_the_brockman/instagram)


Tovey made headlines in 2017 for being the first actor to play a gay superhero in his own series.

Tovey made his debut late last year as The Ray, a superhero who has the ability to manipulate light who dwells on an alternate Earth where Nazis won World War II.

In the DC superhero miniseries ‘Crisis on Earth-X’ – which aired across The Flash, Arrow, Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow – the character made an appearance, romancing and kissing Wentworth Miller’s character Captain Cold.

(Credit: The CW)

After the episode aired the actor shared a heartwarming response to his kiss with Wentworth Miller from a family of fans.

Tovey said the superhero role is a dream come true, saying: “Growing up, I always wanted to be a superhero. That’s always been something I astral projected.

“So when this came up, it was an easy yes — especially for what the character stood for. It magnified my excitement in portraying him.”

He added: “Most of my acting mates — everyone wants to play a superhero. It’s definitely one of the boxes you want to tick. It feels wonderful to be ticking that box in a big way and with a big, pink triangle.”