PHILIP Schofield has been praised by Demort O’Leary, Dr Alex George and Keith Lemon after coming out as gay today. The This Morning presenter – who has been married for nearly 27 years – made the revelation earlier as he paid tribute to his wife and daughters. He then took part in an emotional interview […]
PHILIP Schofield has been praised by Demort O’Leary, Dr Alex George and Keith Lemon after coming out as gay today.
The This Morning presenter – who has been married for nearly 27 years – made the revelation earlier as he paid tribute to his wife and daughters.
He then took part in an emotional interview alongside his co-host Holly Willoughby where he explained his journey to the audience.
Legions of fans have come out in support of Philip Schofield, including his showbiz friends.
Dermot O’Leary commented: “Big love and support”, whereas Keith Lemon wrote: “Love the Schofield!!! Salute! Xx”
Rebekah Vardy said, “sending love and support xxx” and John Bishop said: “The nation loves you both and will continue to do so. Big love Jx”
Love to @Schofe and his family
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) February 7, 2020
Openly gay Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson spoke about his experience of coming out to Holly and Phil: “Philip and holly were the first people I told on @thismorning 10 years ago …letting me be brave and honest and confronting my truth… it was the best thing I did and have nothing but love and respect for him today ALL hail scofe!!!!!”
David Walliams also lent his support: “I am sending all my love to @Schofe today. I have always held him in the highest regard, ans now have nothing but respect and admiration for him. Let’s hope we are moving towards a world where no-one has to come out anymore, they can just be who they are and celebrate that. [sic.]”
Peter Andre added: “Just when I though I couldn’t love this person more. Honest, open and most importantly happy. @schofe”
lots of love to you @Schofe https://t.co/A3TisMG5HS
— Adele Roberts (@AdeleRoberts) February 7, 2020
So proud of, and pleased for, @Schofe.
Testament to his and his families strength, and equally a testament to the fact we now live is a society where you can be yourself & be accepted for that. Lots of love pal
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) February 7, 2020
So much love and respect for u @Schofe @thismorning
— Calum Best Official (@CalumBest) February 7, 2020
Susanna Reid supported her ITV co-star: “Love to @Schofe and his family”
Other stars lending their support include Emily Atack, who gushed over Philip and Holly’s friendship: “The power of friendship, love and support always prevails. @Schofe”
Richard Osman added: “When you create a new entertainment show and start discussing who should host, the first name on the list is always Phillip Schofield. That’s a fact. He’s just the very best at what he does, and the public adore him. Looking forward to many more years of his charm and brilliance.”
Soap star Jorgie Porter added: “I absolutely love you @Schofe @thismorning 
”
Towie’s Mario Falcone remarked: “Well done to @Schofe … must have taken his everything to be so open and honest. And to his wife and children being so supportive”
Well done to @Schofe… must have taken his everything to be so open and honest. And to his wife and children being so supportive
— Mario Falcone (@Mario_Falcone) February 7, 2020
The power of friendship, love and support always prevails. @Schofe
— Emily Atack (@EmAtack) February 7, 2020
I absolutely love you @Schofe @thismorning
— jorgie porter (@misJORGIEPORTER) February 7, 2020
So proud of you @Schofe
— Ranj Singh (@DrRanj) February 7, 2020
In emotional scenes, Phillip explained his coming out to close friend Holly.
He told her: “It’s tough but this is not something that’s happened quickly, I’ve had to deal this in my head for quite some time.
“I got to the stage where I thought we sit here, every day, and some amazingly brave person is sitting over there and I’m thinking ‘I have to be that person’.
“All you can be in your life is honest with yourself. I was getting to a stage in my life where I was thinking I don’t really like myself because I’m not being honest with myself.
What a guy! @Schofe congrats
happiness is key
— Ben Phillips (@BenPhillipsUK) February 7, 2020
Wow @Schofe I’m so happy and proud a man like you can live your honest and best life. It’s so important to be you. Have 100% pride. Everyone loves you. You are who you are. #loveislove. @hollywills is like the best mate everyone wants! Xx
— Ben Forster (@thebenforster) February 7, 2020
Crying watching @thismorning @Schofe so brave and powerful
— Nicola McLean (@NicolaMcLean) February 7, 2020
So much love to you @Schofe such bravery xxxxx https://t.co/8fPnfzPtbu
— Gok Wan MBE
“We always say ‘talk to someone’… and you must talk to someone. It’s brought me back from some dark places and in some cases talking to people saves you.”
He then hugged Holly, who vowed she would always sit by him.
Phillip married Stephanie Lowe in March 1993.
He wrote on Instagram today: “With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to the terms with the fact that I am gay.”
He added: “This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home. I have been married to Steph for nearly 27 years, and we have two beautiful grown-up daughters, Molly and Ruby.
“My family have held me so close: they have tried to cheer me up, to smother me with kindness and love, despite their own confusion.
“Yet I still can’t sleep and there have been some very dark moments.”
