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Eamonn Holmes shares sweet message as Phillip Schofield comes out as gay: ‘A new chapter awaits you’


Phillip Schofield came out as gay in a heartfelt statement (Picture: ITV)

Phillip Schofield came out as gay in an emotional statement on Instagram.

The 57-year-old – who has been married to wife Steph for 27 years – later broke down in tears during scenes on This Morning, where he opened up about his sexuality for the first time alongside best friend Holly Willoughby.

And, after an outpouring of love from those closest to him, Eamonn Holmes has shared his support for the ITV star.

Sharing a photo of them sharing an embrace from earlier in the day, Ruth Langsford’s husband said: ‘Shoulder to shoulder….

‘No one should feel pain, embarrassment or intimidation over their sexual orientation.’

‘A new chapter awaits you Phillip.’

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Rc1wsh3X2/

Earlier today, Eamonn was criticised for dropping a ‘hot tub’ joke during his friend’s announcement, with the quip not going down well with This Morning viewers.

‘It’s fantastic you have spoken,’ he said: ‘We are all here by your side. We will be the first to stand beside you. It’s brilliant, mate, as long as Steph and the girls are happy.

‘I am disappointed in a couple of ways, first of all, I thought “big announcement from Phillip,” I thought you were going to come in and announce you had resigned and I would take your job, so that wasn’t to be!’

He grinned: ‘The second is there’s this great imponderable in life, which has always irritated me, I thought, “How come he can sit in a hot tub with Holly “Willoughbooby” and Steph doesn’t have a problem and Dan [Holly’s husband] doesn’t have a problem.”

‘I thought, she [pointing to wife Ruth] would have a problem, I thought “no, no.”‘

Phillip and Holly joined Ruth and Eamonn on This Morning (Picture: ITV)

Though Phillip laughed, fans at home claimed the jibe was ‘lacking in taste’.

Before his stint on the show, the Dancing On Ice host shared a heartfelt statement on his Instagram story, bravely opening up about his personal life.

‘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,’ he said.

‘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.’

Phil broke down in tears during the emotional scenes (Picture: ITV)

Breaking down on This Morning, he told viewers: ‘I have had to deal with this in my head for quite some time and as for Steph, as I said I can’t write in any statement how I feel about that woman.

‘She is incredible, there is no one in my life that would have supported me in the way she has. She is astonishing.’

Eamonn is the latest in a long line of famous faces reaching out to Phillip over his news.

Ant and Dec shared a sweet tweet to the star, telling fans: ‘Huge respect and admiration for our friend @Schofe. Sending love to you P, and to your 3 lovely girls.’

While bff Holly posted a selfie of them on her Instagram page, explaining: ‘Never been more proud of my friend than I am today.’

Piers Morgan agreed: ‘Takes a lot of guts to do this, not least when you’re a very public figure & know it will all be dissected in a very public way.

‘Sending my very best to @schofe & his family.’



Phillip Schofield coming out statement in full

‘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 I still 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 only comes from the hurt I am causing for my family.

‘Steph has been incredible – I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul that I have ever met. My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging and 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 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.’

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