The stars of Loose Women have hailed Phillip Schofield for announcing he is gay.
The ITV daytime show’s panellists – Denise Welch, Brenda Edwards, Kaye Adams and Nadia Sawalha – were delighted to wish Phillip well following his emotional appearance on This Morning earlier today.
Former X Factor contestant Brenda described his words as “empowering”.
She said: “Being in the media industry and so high up as he is, I think it’s a very strong and empowering message to a lot of people, whether they’re young, old, whatever age they are, that you can just be yourself.
Sending love and support to @schofe from all the Loose Women family. https://t.co/k3PMrWXghv
— Loose Women (@loosewomen) February 7, 2020
Read more: Piers Morgan sends message of support to Phillip Schofield after his shock coming out announcement
“I think it might help spur on other people who are feeling trapped or they haven’t got anywhere to go I think that’s a really good, empowering thing that he’s done, being the person he is and coming out to everybody.”
Host Kaye said she hopes Phillip – who has been married to wife Stephanie Lowe since 1993 – will “get some space to work out new dynamics” with his family.
I think that’s a really good, empowering thing that he’s done.
And Denise pointed out how “difficult” the situation will be for his loved ones – while being glad the 57-year-old star is being true to himself.
Other celebrities to offer their support and best wishes to Phil include David Walliams, Dermot O’Leary, Dr Ranj Singh and Peter Andre.
‘I think it’s a very strong and empowering message to a lot of people.’
The #LooseWomen show their support for Phillip Schofield after he opens up about being gay. pic.twitter.com/gH5ZtchGTz
— Loose Women (@loosewomen) February 7, 2020
Read more: Phillip Schofield’s This Morning interview with Holly Willoughby in full as he reveals he’s gay
Ahead of his appearance on This Morning, Phillip released a statement about his sexuality on his social media accounts.
He wrote: “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.”
Phillip went on to tell colleague and pal Holly that his sexuality had caused him a lot of sleeplessness and “there have been some very dark moments.”
He said: “You know, this has been bothering me for a very long time. There’s no question that it has in recent times, consumed my head.
“And has become an issue in my head. So I got to the stage where I thought, ‘We sit here every day and some amazingly brave person is over here and I’m thinking ‘You’re so brave, you’re so brave.’
“And I’m thinking, ‘I have to be that person, I have to be that person. All you can be is honest with yourself. I was getting to the point where I didn’t like myself. So when is the right time?”
He also became emotional when discussing how he came out to his grown-up daughters Molly and Ruby.
Phillip reflected: “Steph has been incredible – I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul that I have ever met.
“My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging and 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 us both up.”
– Loose Women airs on ITV on weekdays from 12.30pm
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