Phillip Schofield revealed he was gay on Friday with a heartfelt social media post and an interview on This Morning just moments later.
And professional ice skater Matt Evers revealed the married TV host stopped production on the show on Dancing On Ice a day later to address the revelation.
Talking to Heart.co.uk on Tuesday, Matt, 43, said Phillip, 57, didn’t want to be the ‘elephant in the room.’
‘I don’t want to be the elephant in the room anymore’: Phillip Schofield STOPPED Dancing On Ice rehearsals to talk about his decision to come out as gay on Saturday
He said: ‘It was a really nice atmosphere in the studio.
‘I think at one point in rehearsals he kind of stopped production and said “OK I just need to say this, I don’t want to be the elephant in the room anymore, if you want to give me a hug, give me a hug”.’
‘He was very sensitive to the viewers at home as well and he kinda wanted to get that out in dress rehearsal before we were live and it was a really nice moment.
‘Holly teared up and there was about five or six of us that were stood around at him at that point and we just all kind of gave him a hug and said “do you know what, you’re gonna be fine”.’
Supportive: Professional skater Matt Evers (right) said Phillip asked if anyone wanted a hug and also said he feels sharing his news has helped him to become more loving
Phillip, who has been married to wife Steph for 27 years and with whom he has two children, said in his statement that being honest made him feel ‘lighter.’
He also said: ‘I didn’t like myself very much.’ But Matt said that Phillip’s revelation has made him a ‘more loving person.’
He continued: ‘Anybody that goes through that at whatever point in their life, when you start living your real truth, you just become more of a loving person, and not that he wasn’t loving previously but there’s a weight that is lifted off of your shoulders.’
According to a source, Phil’s sexuality was an ‘open secret’ on the This Morning set, and he allegedly told ITV bosses about his plans to come out in an impromptu meeting on Thursday.
Tribute: The stars of the skating show threw their support behind the presenter, 57
A show insider told the Daily Star: ‘Lots of people who work at This Morning have known Phillip is gay for a few years.
‘It was an open secret among the team but none of them would have ever said anything about it publicly.
‘Because Phillip had their trust, he could relax and not worry about being outed. This Morning became a safe space for him.’
Speaking about telling his daughters, he said: ‘I wasn’t easy [telling my daughters]. But they are so amazing in their love and support. They jumped up and gave me a hug, a big hug, a long hug’ (pictured in public together for the last time before coming out at National Television Awards last week)
The source added that Schofield would openly socialise with the other gay men on This Morning, often taking them ‘under his wing’.
Schofield would support men struggling to cope with their sexuality, including one runner who he ended up mentoring.
It’s also claimed that his close friend and co-host Holly had known about Phil’s sexuality for some time.
Speaking on Friday morning, Phillip revealed he was ‘consumed’ by a secret battle with his sexuality for years before finally making the decision to come out as gay following a series of ‘heartbreaking’ conversations with his family.
Coming out: The TV presenter took to Instagram on Friday morning to reveal the news in a lengthy and impassioned post before appearing on This Morning to discuss his announcement
In an emotional statement, shared with millions of Instagram followers, the veteran star admitted he had suffered ‘dark moments, pain and confusion’ as he gradually came to terms with his sexual orientation.
But he revealed the support of his ‘incredible’ family – wife of 27 years Stephanie and their two children – convinced him to be open and honest about his feelings.
He 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.
A friend in need… Holly proved the depth of their friendship as she supported him during the announcement
‘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 to my family.’
For all the latest showbiz gossip, visit Heart.co.uk.
