Telly 7th February 2020 by Valerie Loftus

‘I’ve Been Coming To Terms With The Fact That I Am Gay’: Phillip Schofield Has Come Out In A Heartfelt Statement

"It's my turn to share my truth."

This Morning host Phillip Schofield has come out has gay in a heartfelt statement posted to Instagram.

The 57-year-old paid tribute to his wife and daughters, saying their strength and support helped him “come to terms” with his sexuality.

“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 – so you won’t know what has been consuming me for the last few years,” the statement read.

“With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.”

Phillip has been married to his wife Stephanie for 27 years, and said that his “inner conflict” has caused “many heart-breaking conversations at home”.

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… 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 I that I am causing my family.

The presenter says he was “stunned” by the acceptance he’s received from both his and Steph’s families, and thanked his co-host Holly Willoughby for her support during this time.

“My friends are the best, especially Holly, who has been so kind and wise – and who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder,” 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 of 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.

Shortly after Phil’s statement was released, Holly posted a photo of the two of them posing backstage at Dancing On Ice, saying she has “never been more proud” of her friend.

Phil and Holly were joined by fellow hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on the show today to talk about the announcement, and things got emotional in the This Morning studio.

“It’s fantastic that you have spoken out and there are so many people who will be strengthened by what you’ve said,” Eamonn told Phil. “We’re all here by your side, we’ll be the first to stand beside you.”

We think we can all agree that this is a very brave thing to do. Big love to Phil <3

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