THIS is the moment furious Phillip Schofield slams a This Morning guest for “abhorrent, medieval’ views on homosexuality.
It came three years before the beloved TV presenter today revealed he is gay in an emotional Instagram post.
The firey clip was filmed in 2017, during a segment discussing a teacher’s suspension after he misgendered a transgender student.
The host clashed with CEO of Christian Concern, Andrea Williams, as she argued people can only be male and female.
She suggested teachers need to “help them [students] to live in the body that they have”.
To which a clearly annoyed Phillip asked: “If they were homosexual would help them not to be homosexual? Answer the question please.”
Ms Williams replied: “Very often when we see children that are identifying as homosexual often it’s not good for them to live out in such a lifestyle.”
Phillip cut her off, as co-host Holly Willoughby sat stiffly beside him, saying: “I’m finding this utterly abhorrent.
“We’ll get back to the show and back to 2017 and not medieval Britain in just a moment.”
Today the 57-year-old shared with Holly he had been wrestling with the decision for years – possibly at the time the row was sparked.
You never know what’s going on in someone’s seemingly perfect life, what issues they are struggling with, or the state of their wellbeing – and so you won’t know what has been consuming me for the last few years.
With the strength and support of my wife and daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.
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 still I can’t sleep and there have been some very dark moments.
My inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so very much for the better. Today, quite rightly, being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud. Yes I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing my family.
Steph has been incredible – I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul I have ever met. My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs, encouraging words of comfort.
Both mine and Steph’s entire families have stunned me with their love, instant acceptance and support.
Of course they are worried about Steph, but I know they will scoop us both up.
My friends are the best, especially Holly, who has been so kind and wife – and who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder.
At ITV, I couldn’t hope to work with more wonderful, supportive teams.
Every day on This Morning, I sit in awe of those we meet who have been brave and open in confronting their truth – so now it’s my turn to share mine.
This will probably all come as something as a surprise and I understand but only by facing this, by being honest, can I hope to find peace in my mind and a way forward.
Please be kind, especially to my family.
Phillip
He said: “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’.”
Of his wife of almost 27 years, Steph, he said: “She is amazing. She’s incredible. There is no one in my life who would have supported me, as a wife, the way she’s supported me. She’s astonishing, literally astonishing.”
He wrote: “Every day on This Morning, I sit in awe of those we meet who have been brave and open in confronting their truth – so now it’s my turn to share mine.
“This will probably all come as something as a surprise and I understand but only by facing this, by being honest, can I hope to find peace in my mind and a way forward.”
Phillip has co-hosted the daytime show with Holly for more than a decade, with the pair often left in fits of laughter during segments.
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.
Phillip Schofield
He appeared on the other side of the sofa to Holly today on the ITV show, and praised his friends and family.
The TV star told her: “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.
“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.”
Holly threw her support behind Phillip, writing on Instagram: “Never been more proud of my friend than I am today. We’ll be together at 10am on This Morning x”
The presenter married Stephanie in March 1993, after meeting while she worked as a BBC production assistant and he was working for BBC children’s television.
The announcement comes just a few weeks shy of the couple’s 27th wedding anniversary on March 30.
The popular presenter first began his career in the media in 1982 – working in New Zealand radio before returning to the UK to work for the BBC.
He then hosted ITV shows including Schofield’s Quest before snagging the role as This Morning presenter in 2002 with Fern Britton.
Holly then replaced Fern, with she and Phillip becoming close friends and even taking family holidays together.
