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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Nia Dalton

Eamonn Holmes: 'ITV lied to us over Phil Schofield coming out, we felt used and ashamed'

Eamonn Holmes has made his feelings clear about Phillip Schofield in numerous social media spats and bombshell interviews over the last few weeks.

And on GB News last night, Eamonn continued to detonate bombs, claiming that he and wife Ruth Langsford felt 'used' following Phil's coming out segment on This Morning.

The former ITV presenter alleged that he was 'lied to' by producers, who he says told him last minute that Phil and his sidekick Holly Willoughby would be making an unscheduled appearance.

At first, Eamonn thought Phil was announcing his departure, but when he found out that it was Phil's coming out, he said he was eager to offer his colleague support and comfort.

Phillip and Holly took over Ruth and Eamonn's show in February 2020 for the announcement (S Meddle/ITV/REX)

The 63-year-old recalled the moment Phil came into the pair's dressing room and "fell down on his knees crying" and announced "I'm gay".

At the time, Eamonn and Ruth were "very, very supportive" and comforted Phil by hugging him and telling him: "We stand by you".

"I think anyone to be imprisoned in a life that isn't true to them is totally wrong and we were very supportive," Eamonn said.

After Holly and Phillip made the announcement on the sofa, Ruth and Eamonn joined them for an emotional hug.

But looking back, Eamonn told GB News he felt 'bad vibes' on the set.

Eamonn claimed the segment was 'choreographed' and he felt 'used' by ITV bosses (GB News)

As the This Morning episode continued to unfold, Eamonn said he and Ruth felt as though they were being taken for "fools" by ITV bosses.

"I was lied to about Schofield's coming out interview. I felt used," Eamonn said on Tuesday night.

He claimed that Ruth was "constantly asked" if she wanted a script.

Eamonn said himself and Ruth are embarrassed by the photos taken on the day (S Meddle/ITV/REX)

The Belfast presenter said the set was dotted with journalists, and he claimed he suspected a 'deal' had been done to put out a "version" of events.

"It was all a bit weird," Eamonn said. "We were lied to."

Phil has since confessed to having an affair with a 'much younger' male runner who is believed to have declared his feelings for the former Broom Cupboard star at an awards ceremony just days before the announcement.

Referring to the moment him and Ruth joined Phil on camera, Eamonn said: "Ruth and I, to this day, are embarrassed and ashamed when we see those pictures.

"We feel angry about that. We feel used."

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