STUART Bingham says he is seeing the “true colours” of some of his fellow snooker professionals and admits he thought he would get more support on the tour following his ban for breaching betting rules.

The 2015 former world champion was slapped with a six month ban (suspended for three months) by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association in October, after he was ruled to have bet more than £35,000 in the past seven years.

Bingham has apologised but has categorically denied betting on any of his own matches, despite the findings of the WPBSA committee.

And the 41-year-old from Bowers Gifford, who can return to the tour at the end of January, has now told the Echo that, while he has largely received an outpouring of support from the public, he thought he would get a stronger backing from his peers.

“I thought I would get a lot of support from my friends on the tour but only a couple have got in touch,” said Bingham. “I thought there would be a little bit more to be honest and I might be seeing some true colours from those I thought were good friends.

“But you live and you learn and I have good mates at home who message me all the time.

“I am itching to get back now but I am using this period to spend time with my family.”

Bingham has been practicing at his home since the ban, having missed tournaments including the International Championship, Shanghai Masters, UK Championship and Scottish Open.

Bingham will also sit out the Masters next month before his ban ends on January 26.

His return will be at the qualifiers for the China Open a day later but the world number 12 says he is enjoying spending time with his family before that.

“I am having these few weeks off for Christmas although I will still be putting an hour or two in to keep my arm ticking over,” he said.

“After Christmas I will be putting the hours in and getting ready for the tournaments in the months ahead.

“I am trying to view this [ban] in as positive a way as possible and I am going down the gym and getting fit.

“I know I will be back soon so it is important to stay fresh.”