Phillip Schofield appeared emotional as he mentioned how Holly Willoughby helped him during his 'dark times'. Appearing on This Morning, the pair were joined live on the show by Shirley Ballas.
The Strictly Come Dancing head judge was live in the studio as the ITV daytime programme once again pledged its support to Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm) and its latest campaign. The charity has launched an interactive exhibition called The Last Photo on London's Southbank and the poignant display features Shirley's brother, David, who took his own life in 2003 at the age of 44.
With tears filling her eyes, Shirley said seeing her brother's photo "brought everything back from 20 years ago" and she added: "I'm thinking to myself, if I knew now back then, I could have really helped much better. Communication is key."
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And during their chat, Phillip opened up about his own mental health struggles. "The key is to talk to people…," the 60-year-old said echoing Shirley's own comment. I went through some very, very dark times and I leaned heavily on my friends – as Holly knows – so you have to talk to somebody, you can’t do it on your own."
Shirley, 61, was quick to echo Phillip’s words as she said: "We are in 2022 now, there are many organisations where you can reach out to communicate on a small level. We’re in a moving world with social media, life goes so fast, and if you just take a step back, a breath, a moment, and listen and really try to see your family or friend."
Phillip appeared to be referring to the time he spent hiding his sexuality before coming out as gay on This Morning in February 2020. Holly, 41, gave an emotional Phillip a big hug after he spoke about coming out to his family, including wife of 27 years Stephanie Lowe, their two daughters Ruby and Molly, and his mum Pat.
Phil told his colleague and friend that he "couldn't have done it without you" before Holly embraced him lovingly, telling him she will always be there for him. In October the same year, Phillip broke down in tears as he praised his co-star and friend while speaking to Chris Evans, on his Virgin Radio Breakfast Show about the release of his book which spoke abut the moment he told Holly about his sexuality which then lead to an interview with her live on This Morning.
Phillip said to Chris: "Holly has been astonishing. Literally, the best mate. She's serene and calming and sensible and balanced. Not just for me but also for Steph." Chris became emotional himself as he told Phillip that he didn't recognise him the last time they met because of his plummeting weight.
"Holly gave me a look and I thought - hmm - something's going on here - you looked like a little old man, because there was nothing of you," Chris said to which an even more emotional Phillip responded: "You disappear inside yourself, and that's when you're lost. All you're doing is thinking about whatever it is that's on your mind."
He later said: "I have recently found myself finding it easier to laugh more - it's always funny with Holly, we always have a laugh. But you think - oh that feels nice to laugh, that feels better. So finding me is the goal for the moment."
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