Holly Willoughby releases statement of support for Phillip Schofield after he comes out as gay

'Never been more proud of my friend than I am today,' Willoughby says

Holly Willoughby has expressed her support for Phillip Schofield after he announced he is gay.

On Friday, Schofield released an emotional statement on Instagram stating that this is “something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home”.

The This Morning presenter, who has been married to Stephanie Lowe for 27 years, said: “With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to the terms with the fact that I am gay.”

Following Schofield’s announcement, his co-presenter released a statement in support of him on Instagram.

“Never been more proud of my friend than I am today,” she said, alongside a photograph of the two of them.

In his statement, Schofield wrote about how his “inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so much for the better”, stating that “being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud”.

“Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that only comes from the hurt that I am causing to my family,” he added.

Schofield described his spouse as “the kindest soul I have ever met”, saying that their two daughters “have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging words of comfort”.

Speaking on This Morning, Willoughby said to Schofield: “I know that is something you have been living with, that inner conflict, for a long time.”

In response, Schofield said that everyone he has spoken to has been “so supportive, so loving and caring”.

“My entire family, to a person, have grabbed us and said ‘It’s OK, we love you, we are proud of you,’ and every person I tell, it gets a little lighter and a little lighter,” the 57-year-old said.

“But at the same time I’ve made this decision, which is essential for me and for my head, which is the reason why I’ve done this, I’m very aware that Steph and the girls are at home watching this.

“They have been supporting this as, we got to this moment.”