Doctor Who star John Barrowman has revealed he wants to become a father with his long-term boyfriend Scott Gill.

The Mirror newspaper reports that the couple, who have been together for 16 years, will look at adoption after tying the knot in a civil partnership at Christmas.

Barrowman, 39, who plays Capt Jack Harkness in the TV sci-fi, said: "I say piss off to people who say gay men and women shouldn't have children.

"They have a lot to offer. It doesn't matter if it's two men or two women. If it's a loving household then it should be allowed.

"We are talking about whether we have our own children or do we adopt. "We've thought about adopting an older child, maybe a pre-teen. There are so many kids out there who need a good home."

He will star in Doctor Who's adult spin-off Torchwood later this month. It will be his first lead role in a TV drama, in which he will play the bisexual Captain Jack.