PHILLIP Schofield was overcome with emotion on tonight’s Dancing on Ice when Ashley Banjo praised his brave coming out – and the audience gave him a huge cheer.
The This Morning presenter revealed on Friday that he is gay in a brave personal statement and spoke about coming out in today’s Sun on Sunday.
On tonight’s show, his return to live television since his coming out, judge Ashley Banjo paused the show to pay tribute to Phil’s bravery.
He said: “We’ve got nothing but love and respect for you, especially this week of all weeks.”
Phil was overcome with emotion and simply nodded thanks to the judges.
The brave This Morning presenter shared the news on the ITV show on Friday morning, having released a statement just moments before revealing his sexuality.
Phillip came out in a brave statement about his sexuality, which he shared on his Instagram on Friday morning.
He wrote: “You never know what’s going on in someone’s seemingly perfect life, what issues they are struggling with, or the state of their wellbeing – and so you won’t know what has been consuming me for the last few years.
“With the strength and support of my wife and daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.”
Phil has been married to wife Stephanie Lowe for 27 years, and the couple have two daughters, Molly, 27, and Ruby, 24.
In an exclusive chat with The Sun on Sunday, Phil dramatically admitted he knew he was gay when he got married to Steph.
He said: “I am not saying I didnt know. Whatever was there I thought, OK, whatever this is, you stay back because I am happy.
Loyal wife Steph said: We have had to face the most emotionally painful time in our 27 years of marriage.
TV golden boy Phil, who hid his secret for years from his beloved wife, admitted struggling with suicidal thoughts and to having therapy as he tried to put the issue to the back of his mind.