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Phillip Schofield Announces He’s Gay

Phillip Schofield has announced he is gay in an emotional social media post. 
Credit: @schofe/Instagram

Phillip Schofield has announced he is gay in an emotional social media post. 

The statement, which he shared on Instagram, reads: “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.

“With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.

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Phillip Schofield and family
Phillip Schofield said his family have been supportive since he came out as gay. Credit: @schofe/Instagram

“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 still, I 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.

“Steph has been incredible – I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul I have ever met. My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging words of comfort. Both mine and Steph’s entire families have stunned me with their love, instant acceptance and support.

“Of course, they are worried about Steph but I know they will scoop up both of us.

‘My friends are the best, especially Holly, who has been so kind and wise – and who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder. At ITV, I couldn’t hope to work with more wonderful, supportive teams…”

He continued: “Everyone does these things at their own speed, in their own time when the time is right.

“There’s no question it has in recent times consumed my head and has become an issue in my head.  And so I got to the stage where I thought we sit here every day and I’m over there and some amazingly brave incredible person is sitting here and I’m listening to their story and thinking oh my God you’re so brave, and I’m thinking ‘I have to be that person’.

“All you can be in your life is honest with yourself and I was getting to the point where I knew I wasn’t honest with myself. I didn’t like myself very much. So when is the right time to do it? And you know as a family, you know it is the right time.”

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Written by Aimee Walker

Aimee is a senior content editor at IGV who specialises in finding the best original stories, trending topics and entertainment news. She graduated from Birmingham City University with a degree in Media and Communications.