* Warning - This article contains Star Trek: Discovery spoilers *

In the episode titled Despite Yourself, Dr Hugh Culber (played by Wilson Cruz) was killed off by Lt Ash Tyler (Shazad Latif) in shocking scenes.

Lt Ash Tyler has now almost certainly outed himself as a Klingon, but the death caused controversy among fans.

However, actor Wilson pleaded with fans to stick with the show.

He said: “I would be upset if I was watching, and I think we need to give people permission to be upset.”

Wilson continued to Entertainment Weekly: “It's upsetting. It's a disappointing moment.

“I’m nervous because we are all aware of this trope throughout television which we continue to see LGBT characters, characters of colour, and women killed off in very dismissive ways, and I want people to know that this is not that.

“This is a chapter of this epic love story of these two characters. And this is science fiction. This is Star Trek. There are many possibilities.”

Describing the death as “disappointing”, Wilson promised that it will be the “chapter of something epic”, with more of the story to come.

He added: “I know where it's going and I'm excited about telling that story, but in order for us to tell that story, this had to happen.

“We're inviting people to go on this journey, and part of this journey is going to be magnificent and some of it is going to be disappointing.

“There is going to be glory and triumph and heartbreak, but we will come out of it at the other end better for it, I promise you. So go on the ride with us.”

Star Trek Discovery is available to watch weekly on Netflix on Mondays.