Judge Rob Rinder tears up as he reads WWII love letter from soldier to his male lover
The TV star dedicates the reading to his mentor for Attitude's Speaking of Pride, empowered by Bentley.
Emotions run high as Judge Rob Rinder pays a tearful tribute to his mentor, as part of Attitude Pride at Home.
We are used to see the barrister and TV presenter throwing down his gavel and squashing domestic squabbles in whip-smart fashion on the small screen.
But Rob, 42, shows us his softer side during a poignant reading whilst taking part in Speaking of Pride, empowered by Bentley.
Asked to read aloud a text that means something special to him and captures the spirit of Pride, the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant settles on a recovered gay love letter from World War II.
American veteran Brian Keith penned the letter – titled ‘Sleep well my love’ – to Dave, a fellow soldier he met and fell head overs heel for in 1943, while stationed in North Africa.
“It was lost for many years and then found and reprinted in 1953,” Rob begins.“I’d like to dedicate it to my mentor, Malcolm, who with his partner met and loved one another for 50 years, before their love was legal, before being gay was in any way safe.”
“Thank you for everything you gifted me, for decloaking my shame and for showing me what love can be at its very best. This is for Malcolm and Anthony,” he adds, before going into the reading.
Please note that the video is best viewed with a box of super-sized tissues nearby. If you aren’t feeling misty-eyed afterwards, check that pulse, hun.
Dr Ranj Singh, Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, poet Dean Atta, Little Mix favourite Jade Thirlwall and actor Simon Callow will also be appearing in Speaking of Pride, empowered by Bentley. Watch on attitude.co.uk and YouTube.
