Holly Willoughby threw her support behind This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield after the TV veteran came out as gay on Friday.
Taking to Instagram, Holly, 38, expressed her pride for Schofield, with whom she has presented the daily chat show since 2009, alongside a picture of the pair at an awards ceremony.
She wrote: ‘Never been more proud of my friend than I am today. We’ll be together at 10am on This Morning.’
Proud: Holly Willoughby has thrown her support behind This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield after the TV veteran came out as gay on Friday
Schofield, 57, took to Instagram on Friday morning to reveal the news in a lengthy and impassioned post before appearing on the magazine show to discuss the news with his co-star and best friend Holly Willoughby.
After 27 years of marriage to his wife Steph, he has now revealed that he has suffered ‘inner conflict’ and is now ready to ‘celebrate and be proud’ of his sexuality.
Phillip, who shares daughters Molly, 27, and Ruby, 24, with his wife, spoke on This Morning about his battles with keeping his secret and the relief of coming out.
Phil met Stephanie when she was a BBC production Assistant and he was working for the BBC Children’s television.
He said at the time: ‘You’d have thought someone wouldn’t be attracted to a man with a puppet and dodgy jumpers! She worked in television years ago, that was how we met, so she can do it, she just doesn’t want to these days.’
Holly threw her support behind her This Morning co-host, sharing a selfie of the pair behind the scenes on Dancing On Ice. She wrote: ‘Never been more proud of my friend than I am today. We’ll be together at 10am on This Morning x’.
Phillip Schofield has announced he is gay
After nearly 27 years of marriage to his wife Steph, he has now announced that he has suffered ‘inner conflict’ and is now ready to ‘celebrate and be proud’ of his sexuality (pictured in 2005)
In his statement, Phillip wrote: ‘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 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.
Phillip, who shares daughters Molly, 27, and Ruby, 24, with his wife, spoke on This Morning about his battles with keeping his secret and the relief of coming out
‘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 us.
‘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 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’.