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Phillip Schofield thanks fans for support after coming out as gay: ‘I’ve read as much as I can’

'You will never know how important your support has been today,'

Olivia Petter
Saturday 08 February 2020 12:37 GMT
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Phillip Schofield: ITV presenter comes out as gay

Phillip Schofield has thanked fans for their support after announcing he is gay.

On Friday, the This Morning host posted a statement on Instagram revealing he had been coming to terms with his sexuality.

“This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home,” he wrote before going on to refer to his wife of 27 years, Stephanie Lowe.

“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.”

Schofield’s statement prompted an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities, including Matt Lucas, David Walliams and Victoria Derbyshire.

On Friday evening, the 57-year-old posted a new statement on Twitter in which he thanked supporters for their messages.

“You will never know how important your support has been today, I’ve read as much as I can,” he wrote.

Schofield went on to address those who may be fearful of coming out, urging them to open up to friends and family members.

“Please please, no matter your age or your thoughts, TALK to someone,” he wrote.

“Don’t let your head beat you and hopefully you’ll find out that your friends and family have a remarkable ability to surprise you with their love and understanding.”

Schofield's 27-year-old daughter, Molly, has also offered her support to her father, writing in an Instagram story: "Love you always, so proud of you" alongside a photograph from a recent family holiday.

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