 The birth of Tovey's nephew Nathan in October 2004 helped them mend their relationship.In 2015, Tovey was the subject of public criticism from the LGBT+ press regarding comments he made about effeminate gay men.In his interview with Tom Lamont of "The Observer", the actor stated that his schooling made him feel as though he "had to toughen up", going on to say "If I'd have been able to relax, prance around and sing in the street, I might be a different person now."