Eamonn Holmes praised for supportive reaction to Phillip Schofield coming out: 'Nobody should be embarrassed about their sexuality'

‘Nothing but respect to @EamonnHolmes for this message to Phil of support,’ writes Twitter user

Eamonn Holmes has spoken out in support of Phillip Schofield after the This Morning presenter came out as gay.

On Friday, Schofield issued a statement on Instagram in which he explained that with the “strength and support” of his wife, Stephanie Lowe, he has been “coming to terms” with his sexuality.

“This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home,” he wrote. “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 I still can’t sleep and there have been some very dark moments.”

Schofield posted the statement shortly before This Morning, on which he opened up about his sexuality to his co-hosts Holly Willoughby, Ruth Langsford and Holmes, who said “nobody should be embarrassed about their sexuality”.

“I’m not,” Schofield replied, to which Holmes said: “It’s fantastic that you have spoken out and there will be so many people who will be strengthened by what you’ve said.”

Holmes added that the entire This Morning team is “by your side”.

“We’ll be the first to stand beside you,” he added before wishing the best to Schofield’s family and shaking his hand.

On Twitter, viewers have praised Holmes for his response.

“Nothing but respect to @EamonnHolmes for this message to Phil of support. @thismorning is an emotional one today,” one person tweeted.

Another viewer described the exchange between Holmes and Schofield as a “very moving moment”.