LGBT+ charities praise Phillip Schofield for coming out as gay

Phillip Schofield says being gay ‘is a reason to celebrate and be proud’ in emotional statement

LGBT+ charities have praised Phillip Schofield for his “courage” following the This Morning presenter’s announcement that he is gay.

On Friday, Schofield released a statement on his Instagram Story stating: “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.”

The 57-year-old stating that his “inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so much for the better”, adding that being gay “is a reason to celebrate and be proud”.

Schofield has received an outpouring of support following his admission, including from his This Morning co-presenter Holly Willoughby and from celebrities including Matt Lucas and David Walliams.

LGBT+ organisations, including Stonewall and the LGBT Foundation, also shared messages of praise with regards to his announcement.

“Incredibly brave and moving announcement from Phillip Schofield this morning,” the Twitter account for Stonewall wrote.

“It takes a lot of courage and is always a hugely personal decision to be open about who you are. Congrats Phillip.”

The LGBT Foundation tweeted: “Coming out at any time is a challenging and momentous decision and we are so proud that you have been able to share this with us.”

Following Schofield’s announcement, Willoughby shared a message of support for her friend on Instagram.

The television presenter posted a picture of the two of them together, alongside the caption: “Never been more proud of my friend than I am today.”

During Friday’s episode of This Morning, broadcaster Eamonn Holmes said to Schofield: “It’s fantastic that you have spoken out and there will be so many people who will be strengthened by what you’ve said.”

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