Phillip Schofield’s mum has spoken out to voice her support after the This Morning presenter came out as gay.
Pat Schofield told of her pride after watching his emotional interview with friend Holly Willoughby on Friday, in which he spoke publicly about his sexuality for the first time.
During the chat, Phillip revealed he had travelled to Cornwall to visit his mother and tell her the news prior to posting a statement coming out on Instagram.
Now speaking to The Mirror, Pat said she told him: “I don’t care.”
She said: “For him to be so brave in front of so many people was inspiring, because I know how hard it was for him to do.
“I love Steph [Phillip’s wife] and the girls more than anything in the world and I will always be there for them.
“When Phillip drove to Cornwall to tell me, the first thing I said was I don’t care.
“Yes it was a shock, but nothing as a family that we can’t support and applaud.”
Phillip has been married to wife Steph for over 26 years and they have two grown-up daughters, Molly and Ruby.
In his interview, Phillip paid tribute to them and their “astonishing” support as he came to terms with his sexuality.
“We’ve been honest and open,” he told Holly. “Steph, I can’t write in any statement what I feel about that woman. She’s amazing, she’s incredible.
“There is no one in my life who would have supported me the way… as a wife, as the way she’s supported me. She’s astonishing, literally astonishing.”
He added in his Instagram statement: “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.”
Phillip has since spoken out to thank fans for their support following his announcement, also issuing an emotional plea encouraging people who are in a similar situation to talk to someone.
He has also defended This Morning co-host Eamonn Holmes over jokes he made on Friday’s show, insisting he “lightened a very emotional moment”.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
Useful websites and helplines:
- London Lesbian & Gay switchboard (LLGS) is a free confidential support & information helpline for LGBT communities throughout the UK | 0300 330 0630
- Manchester Lesbian and Gay Switchboard is a free support, information and referral service for the Manchester and North-West area | 0161 235 8000
- Stonewall for more information on other LGBT services and helplines | 08000 502020