Some of the biggest names in showbiz have voiced their support for Phillip Scofield after the This Morning presenter came out as gay.
On Friday morning the star posted an emotional statement on Instagram revealing he was gay.
There was an immediate outpouring of support for the 57-year-old star from some of the entertainment world’s biggest names.
His This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby was one of the first to react with a post on Instagram.
She wrote: “Never Been more proud of my friend than I am today.”
Many other big names also took to social media to send their love and support, including many other ITV stars like Ant & Dec, Dermot O’Leary and Susanna Reid.
Phillip - who has been married to his wife Steph for almost 27 years - thanked his family for their support in his statement.
“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 wrote.
“With the strength and support of my wife and daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact I am gay.”
He continued: “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 comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family.”
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