Ireland gay marriage: Celebrities take to Twitter to celebrate expected 'yes' vote in referendum

All the constituencies declared by 4pm had supported same-sex marriage

Ireland was expected to legalise same-sex marriage (Getty)

As Ireland looks almost certain to legalise same-sex marriage after a historic referendum, celebrities have been flooding to Twitter to celebrate.

Singers, actors, comedians, sports stars and politicians from around the world have congratulated the country on its expected vote for equality after fears that “yes” supporters would be outweighed by more conservative voters.

Olympic diver Tom Daley, who announced he was gay last year, urged everyone to “go get married” after hearing the “wonderful” news.

Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain said he felt a “huge sense of pride” over the result, tempered by sadness at missing the spontaneous celebrations sweeping Irish cities.

Stephen Fry, Richard Branson, Sam Smith and Mark Gatiss were among the others reacting to the vote.

Here’s what they had to say…

Homosexual "acts" were illegal in Ireland until 1993 and a "yes" vote today would leave Northern Ireland as the only country in the British Isles not to recognise same-sex marriage.