Actor and politician John Dumelo says his admiration and respect for colleague Yvonne Nelson doubled when she turned down an offer to contest against him in the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in 2019.

This comes after it was revealed in the actress’ new book that someone close to President Akufo-Addo wanted her to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon on the NPP’s ticket instead of the NPP Lydia Alhassan during the by-election.

Speaking in an interview with Doreen Avio, John Dumelo said that Yvonne Nelson confided in him when she was offered the opportunity.

“What I realised was that I respected her for that. I respected her for not taking that decision," the actor-turned-politician told Doreen Avio.

"Clearly, if you've been told to contest, whoever is telling you or the group of people is ready to support you with whatever it is you need. I think she put our friendship first,” John Dumelo said.

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John Dumelo noted that her decision to reject the offer and inform him meant she value their relationship.

“That is what real friends do. I've really respected her for that,” he said.

This comes after Yvonne Nelson launched her tell-all book ‘I Am Not Yvonne Nelson’ on Sunday at the Peduase Lodge.

In the book, the actress gives an account of her struggles as a young woman on a journey to discover herself.