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United States Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby break down as he opens up about ‘pain and upset’ after coming out as ga
PHILLIP Schofield and Holly Willoughby held each other and fought back tears live on air today as he bravely took to the nation's TV screens to reveal he is gay.
The 57-year-old presenter released an emotional statement on Instagram minutes before appearing on This Morning alongside his colleague and close pal.
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Holly read out the statement before Phil revealed the trauma behind his decision to publicly reveal his sexuality after 27 years of marriage.
He also paid emotional tributes to his wife Steph and daughters Molly, 27, and Ruby, 24, for their support as they watched on at home.
Phil was cheered and clapped by colleagues at the end of the heart-rending announcement today.
Holly started by telling Phil: "I know that is something you have been living with, that inner conflict, for a long time."
He responded: "I have made this decision which is essential for me and essential for my head.
"I'm really very aware Steph and the girls are home watching this and we're all together and they've been supporting as we get to this moment because we all knew it was coming.
It came as...
"I feel a little lighter but I am also very, very aware that it causes pain and it causes upset.
"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.
"Steph... I cannot write in any statement quite what I feel about that woman. She's incredible, there is no-one in my life who would have supported me the way she's supported me.
"You (Holly) know this has been bothering me for a very long time. There's no question that it has, in recent times, consumed my head.
"I got to the stage where I thought we sit here, every day... and some amazingly, incredibly brave person is sitting over here.. 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 the point where I knew I wasn't being honest with myself and I was thinking I didn't like myself because I wasn't 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."
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Phil added he is "not thinking" about future relationships, saying: "This was the big day and this was the day that I knew everything was pointing towards.
"Afterwards, I don't know, there's not anyone else and I'm not rushing out there after this."
Speaking about the moment he told his mum Pat Wallingford, 84, he said: "She's been on the phone all morning (saying) 'I hope you're OK, thinking of you'.
"I went down to see her in Cornwall and I told her and she said 'Oh, OK, well... I don't care' and that's the same with everyone."
He added that his daughters had "jumped up" and given him a "big hug" when he told them the news.
Phil and Holly were then joined by fellow presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford.
Eamonn comforted his colleague, saying: "Phillip, nobody should be embarrassed about their sexuality.
"We're all here by your side and we'll stand beside you. As long as you and Steph and the girls are OK, that's all that matters."
As Holly wiped away tears, Phil described her as: "The sister I never had."
Crew members cheered and clapped from behind the camera as Phil hugged his colleagues following the emotional speech.
SUPPORT FOR STAR AFTER BRAVE ANNOUNCEMENTThe announcement comes just a few weeks shy of Phil and Steph's 27th wedding anniversary on March 30.
He had previously marked his silver wedding anniversary in 2018 on Instagram, gushing: "2 birthdays and a Silver Wedding Anniversary in one week!
"That’s a lot of cards. Happy 25th Mrs S."
Phil has co-hosted the daytime show with Holly Willoughby for more than a decade, with the pair often left in fits of laughter during segments.
And Holly threw her support behind Phillip, writing on Instagram: "Never been more proud of my friend than I am today."
"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 my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.
"This is something that has caused many heartbreaking 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 to 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 and 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 wise - 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 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.
"Please be kind, especially to my family."
Celebrities including comedian John Bishop and presenter Dermot O'Leary tweeted in support of the star after the announcement.
O'Leary said: "Sending big love to the Schofield and his family, @Schofe Stand up guy, heart of a lion. X"
Bishop added: "The nation loves you both and will continue to do so. Big love J x."
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