Phillip Schofield had two words of advice for a man who wrote into This Morning to share how his family haven't accepted that he's gay. The presenter, who himself came out in February 2020, was back fronting the ITV daytime show on Wednesday (March 22) with Holly Willoughby when they were joined by Vanessa Feltz.
The broadcaster and agony aunt was on hand to answer viewers’ calls about love. It comes just weeks after Vanessa revealed her own heartbreak after ending her relationship of 16 years with fiance Ben Ofoedu. During the 'love against the odds' segment, the hosts and Vanessa hear from 'Billy' who shared how he struggled to come out for years, due to the fear that the news would ‘destroy’ his family.
In an email sent to the show, 'Billy' said: "For years I’ve felt confused about my sexuality. But knew if I were to come out it would destroy my family and they would be so disappointed in me. It took me 20 years to build the courage to accept I was gay. Shortly after I met the love of my life and couldn’t be happier. My family reacted as expected. But it was all worth it to be able to be myself."
This led Phillip, who has spoken openly about his own struggles with his sexuality over the years before revealing he was gay on This Morning three years ago, to reply: "It's a shame the family reacted like that though."
The 60-year-old then went on share that he hopes his Billy’s family will 'come round in time'. He said: "I hope that maybe the family will come round in time as they should but what a shame to lose a member of the family over something like that. But also how wonderful that you’ve found somebody that’s great."
Rounding off his own response, Phillip added: "Be Happy!" Phillip opened his own heart in a candid chat on the sofa with his ITV colleague and pal Holly in February 2020 after posting a statement on Instagram addressing his sexuality.
Emotional Phil spoke of his love for his family, including his wife Stephanie Lowe and daughters Ruby and Molly, as he explained how supportive they have been through it. He also revealed the moment he told his mum Pat and her sweet response to his news. After that, Phillip spoke more about why it was the right time for him to tell the world he is gay.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: "Make no mistake, I did this for me. But I also hope it might make others feel they can do the same. I guarantee right now there are actors, sportsmen and other high-profile people experiencing the same thing. Everyone from bankers to bakers, all sorts. I know there are some people who will never come out. But I hope maybe some might feel more able to after this."
And 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."
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