Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rose Hill

Passionate Phillip Schofield slams viewer's religious pals who disapprove of her sexuality

Phillip Schofield passionately spoke out after a viewer spoke about her fears of coming out to her church friends - admitting that it was likely that they would no longer want to speak to her if she did.

The 60-year-old - who bravely came out on This Morning in 2020 - declared that her friends "weren't worth knowing" if they failed to accept who she was.

Joining Holly Willoughby and Deirdre for a call-in, Phil had been reacting to caller 'Rachel', who feared that her faith disapproves of her sexuality.

Rachel - who was given an alternative name to obscure her identity - explained that she was part of a faith group that was "very disapproving" of homosexuality or "anything that isn't conventional".

As Holly shook her head, Phil looked unhappy as Rachel continued: "I've had relationships with women when I was younger. I'm in my late 30s now and then I sort of settled for heterosexual relationships. But over the last few months I've met a lady who I'd really like to develop a relationship with.

Phillip Schofield passionately spoke out on This Morning (ITV)

"And pretty much 90% of my friends are people from church. So I know if I did pursue this relationship and it became public knowledge - which I don't see why I should have to hide it - not only would I risk getting thrown out of church but also leaving all those friendships..."

Unable to bite his tongue anymore, Phil said: "So in 2022, your church and faith group would throw you out?"

Caller 'Rachel' asked for advice on This Morning (ITV)

"Absolutely," Rachel replied.

Furious, Phil continued: "Well, what's the point in being involved in a world like that?"

"That's exactly how I feel," Rachel admitted.

Phil said: "This is where religion drives me insane! For all the wonderful goodness it does, that aspect - that medieval aspect - which could step in the way. And surely, if there was a god, that god would want you to find some sort of happiness? And be loving? And I truly, truly believe those people aren't worth knowing!"

Deirdre added that she felt for Rachel as she was clearly really torn, but pointed out that she was repressing a huge part of herself in order to toe the line.

Phil added: "I understand within a group like that - I completely understand that within a group like that, some of these things are extremely hard to get your head around, to understand, to adapt to, to evolve. I understand that.

"What I can't get is that you would actually lose your friends and lose your church!"

*This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.