Phillip Schofield jumps to Eamonn Holmes' defence after coming out - Daily Mail

'He lightened an emotional moment!' Phillip Schofield jumps to Eamonn Holmes' defence as he's accused of 'ruining' the TV host's moment with a 'tacky joke' after coming out as gay

By Olivia Wheeler and Charlotte Dean For Mailonline

Published: 11:08 GMT, 8 February 2020 | Updated: 11:33 GMT, 8 February 2020

Phillip Schofield has jumped to Eamonn Holmes' defence after he was accused by viewers of 'ruining' the presenter's moment when he came out as gay on Friday.

The TV presenter, 57, who has been married to wife Steph for 27 years, revealed in an emotional Instagram message that he is ready to 'celebrate' his sexuality after suffering years of 'inner conflict', before coming on the magazine show to discuss it.

But viewers were left outraged after the Irish presenter, 60, made a 'tacky' hot tub joke and quipped that he thought he was getting his job just minutes after Phil, broke down in tears live on television after coming out.

Friends: Phillip Schofield has jumped to Eamonn Holmes' defence after he was accused by viewers of 'ruining' the presenter's moment when he came out as gay on Friday

Following the backlash, Phillip took to Twitter to defend Eamonn and wrote: 'Can I just say that @EamonnHolmes & RuthieeL were utterly magnificent with me today...

'Privately downstairs just the three of us and upstairs in front of the world. I couldn't have hoped for a better, calming and loving set of hugs and support, I adore them both.

'And for the record, Eamonn made me laugh, he lightened a very emotional moment and I'm very happy that he did [heart emoji]'.

Hugs: The TV presenter, 57, who has been married to wife Steph for 27 years, revealed in an emotional Instagram message that he is ready to 'celebrate' his sexuality after suffering years of 'inner conflict', before coming on the magazine show to discuss it

Slammed: Eamonn was slammed by fans for 'ruining' Phillip Schofield's heartfelt announcement that he is gay on Friday's episode of This Morning

Phillip appeared on This Morning's sofa to be interviewed by his best friend and co-host Holly, 38, as the two broke down in tears over the heartfelt announcement.

After Phillip's emotional interview, Eamonn and wife Ruth Langsford, who present the Friday show, joined the duo on the sofa as they warmly hugged and congratulated the star. 

Showing their support to the ITV presenter, Eamonn said: 'Nobody should be embarrassed about their sexuality.'

To which Phillip awkwardly responded: 'I'm not,' with Eamonn adding: 'It's fantastic you have spoken. We are all here by your side. We will be the first to stand beside you. It's brilliant, mate, as long as Steph and the girls are happy.'    

Following the backlash, Phillip took to Twitter to defend Eamonn and wrote: 'Can I just say that @EamonnHolmes & RuthieeL were utterly magnificent with me today... 

Family: Phillip, who has been married to wife Steph for 27 years, revealed earlier on Friday in an emotional Instagram message that he is ready to 'celebrate' his sexuality after suffering years of 'inner conflict' (pictured with wife Steph and daughters  Molly, 27, and Ruby, 24, in 2018) 

Emotional: The television star appeared on This Morning's sofa to be interviewed by his best friend and co-host Holly, 38, as the two broke down in tears over the heartfelt announcement

Eamonn went on to joke that he was told the television star would be making an announcement and he thought he would be resigning so he could get his job.

He quipped: 'I am disappointed in a couple of ways, first of all, I thought "big announcement from Phillip" I thought you were going to come in and announce you had resigned and I would take your job, so that wasn't to be.'   

While he went on to joke about Phillip spending so much time with Holly in a hot tub, even poking fun at her 'Willoughbooby' nickname. 

Insensitive? After Phillip's emotional interview, Eamonn and wife Ruth Langsford, who present the Friday show, joined the duo on the sofa

'Awkward': Showing their support to the ITV star, Eamonn said: 'Nobody should be embarrassed about their sexuality,' to which Phillip awkwardly responded: 'I'm not' 

He added: 'The second is there's this great imponderable in life, which has always irritated me, I thought, "How come he can sit in a hot tub with Holly Willoughbooby and Steph doesn't have a problem and Dan [Holly's husband] doesn't have a problem." 

'I thought, she [pointing to wife Ruth] would have a problem, I thought "no, no". 

Phil was quick to change the subject, as he added: 'This [Holly] is the sister I never had,' with Holly adding: 'We are very lucky, very blessed.' 

Bad timing, Eamonn! Eamonn went on to joke that he was told the television star would be making an announcement and he thought he would be resigning so he could get his job

Not the time: While he went on to joke about Phillip spending so much time with Holly in a hot tub, even poking fun at her 'Willoughbooby' nickname

He said: 'The second is there's this great imponderable in life, which has always irritated me, I thought, "How come he can sit in a hot tub with Holly Willoughbooby and Steph doesn't have a problem". 'I thought, she [pointing to wife Ruth] would have a problem, I thought "no, no"'

Change the subject! Phil was quick to change the subject, as he added: 'This [Holly] is the sister I never had,' with Holly adding: 'We are very lucky, very blessed.'

I stand with you! Following the interview, Eamonn took to Twitter to publicly show his support for Phil

Following the interview, Eamonn took to Twitter to publicly show his support for Phil, writing: 'A picture paints a thousand words.

'This is a man who was in pain, who today confided in Ruth and I and who knows we stand in support of him, his family and his sexuality... Also unlike some, he appreciated a laugh to break the tension. @schofe hoping you find happiness.' 

Viewers had been quick to slam Eamonn over his insensitive comments and even accused him of 'ruining' Phil's heartfelt announcement.

One person said: 'Eamonn being Eamonn and saying he wondered how Phil's wife wasn't worried that he worked alongside Holly so much. And now it makes sense because Phil is gay. [face palm emoji] #ThisMorning.' 

A different user put: 'A beautiful interview on #ThisMorning wrecked by Eamonn making a tacky hot tub joke,' followed by a glaring emoji. 

Another follower commented: 'Eamonn ruined a very heartfelt moment there #ThisMorning.' 

Anger: Viewers were quick to slam Eamonn over his insensitive comments and even accused him of 'ruining' Phil's heartfelt announcement

Defending Eamonn: Yet not all viewers were outraged and some fans defended Eamonn, insisting that he was just trying to 'lighten the mood'

While a different account added: 'But honestly Eamonn, that was disgusting. Using his moment to be a creep about "sitting in a hot tub with Holly", and how now he knows why his wife was okay with it. 

'You ruined this sweet moment by turning it into something sleazy. You should be ashamed. #ThisMorning.' 

Yet not all viewers were outraged and some fans defended Eamonn, insisting that he was just trying to 'lighten the mood'.

One person said: 'I thought that was hilarious, coming out as should be treated as a everyday natural thing, so Eamonn acting normal and having friendly banter with his friends is the perfect reaction.' 

'I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay': Phillip's statement in full 

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 my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.

'This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home. 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. Yet still I can't sleep and there have been some very dark moments.

'My inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so very much for the better. Today, quite rightly, being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud. Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family..

'Steph has been incredible - I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul I have ever met. My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging 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 us.

'My friends are the best, especially Holly, who has been so kind and wise - and who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder. At ITV, I couldn't hope to work with more wonderful, supportive teams...

'Every day on This Morning, I sit in awe of those we meet who have been brave and open in confronting their truth - so now it's my turn to share mine. This will probably all come as something and I understand, but only by facing this, by being honest, can I hope to find peace in my mind and a way forward. Please be kind, especially to my family. Phillip'. 

Another show watcher put: 'Eamonn Holmes lifting the mood perfectly- saying he always wondered how Phillip got away with getting in a hot tub with Holly and their partners not kicking off [crying laughing emojis] High 5 to #PhillipSchofield #ThisMorning.'

While a different account added: 'Good ol Eamonn Holmes “I thought the big news was that you were going to resign” ROFL #phillipschofield #ThisMorning.' 

MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.  

Also during Friday's This Morning, Ruth threw her arms around Phillip as they appeared to put their feud to bed after he came out as gay.  

Friends? Also during Friday's This Morning, Ruth threw her arms around Phillip as they appeared to put their feud to bed after he came out as gay

Happy families: Following his announcement, Ruth, 59, and Eamonn, 60, joined Phil and Holly on screen and offered them both a hug before sitting down on the sofa

Support: Eamonn  posted a message of support to Phillip and said a 'new chapter awaits' for the presenter since his announcement

Following his announcement, Ruth, 59, and Eamonn, 60, joined Phil and Holly on screen and offered them both a hug before sitting down on the sofa.

After wrapping her arms around Phil, Ruth could be heard asking him if he felt 'better' after telling viewers the truth about his sexuality, which he claimed had been 'filling his head' for a long time now.

During his impassioned announcement, Phil revealed that he was getting to the stage where he 'no longer liked himself', which may have been a reference to his ongoing row with Ruth.

Fuming: Ruth and husband Eamonn have reportedly been involved in a high-profile rift with Phillip after he interrupted her while she was presenting a preview for the show via a video link-up last year (pictured at the NTAs)

Ruth is said to have previously made a formal complaint against him due to the 'toxic' backstage atmosphere the alleged feud has created. 

However it seems judging by their friendly display during the latest episode of the daytime TV show that their bitter feud has been dispelled by Phil’s announcement.  

Moments before the show, Phil took to his Instagram Story to share a lengthy statement about how he has decided to come out as gay.

Beginning the statement, Phil penned: '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 he has been consuming me for the last few years.

'With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.'  

Ruth and Eamonn have reportedly been involved in a high-profile rift with Phil, after he interrupted her while she was presenting a preview for the show via a video link-up last year.

Reports have long been rife about troubles between the TV hosts, with the latest detail of the story claiming Amanda Holden headed to the top by lobbying ITV executives over the animosity after Phil allegedly pushed for Rochelle Humes to take the job. 

Last year, Phil was accused of creating a 'toxic atmosphere' for his This Morning co-stars, with allegations of ongoing spats with Holly and stand-in hosts Ruth and Eamonn.

It is claimed eight different ITV presenters have broken their silence regarding Phillip's attitude, while Ruth is thought to have made a formal complaint to ITV’s new head of daytime TV Emma Gormley.

Tense: Eamonn was been accused of 'snatching' This Morning's NTA gong out Phillip's hand at the awards bash last week

It followed an incident in April which saw Phillip interrupt Ruth while she was presenting a preview of Loose Women during This Morning.

As This Morning scooped top prize in the Live Magazine Show category at the NTAs, Ruth, who was seated behind Phillip and Holly with her co-presenter Eamonn, made her way to the stage at London's O2 Arena.

And viewers couldn't help but point out the 'frosty' and 'awkward' interaction between the TV personalities, following reports that Ruth filed a formal complaint with ITV bosses in December about Phil.

This Morning continues on weekdays at 10am on ITV.  

If you have been affected by this article or would like support on LGBT related-issues, you can contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 330 3030 or email helpline@lgbt.foundation 

'I've no secrets': Full transcript from Phillip Schofield's interview with Holly Willoughby on This Morning

'It's funny because, everyone I've spoken to, you, have all been so supportive and so loving and caring.

'And my entire family to a person have grabbed us and said it's OK, it's OK, we love you, we're proud of you.

'And every person I tell it gets a little lighter and a little lighter but at the same time, you know, I have made this decision which is essential for me and essential for my head and that's principally the decision why I've done this.

'Of course I'm really very aware that Steph and the girls are at home watching this and we're all together, and we spent a lot of time together, we spend a lot of time together obviously.

'And they've been supporting us as we got to this moment and we all knew it was coming.

TV presenter Phillip Schofield on ITV's This Morning talking with Holly Willoughby today about his announcement that he is gay

'So, yeah, I mean I feel a little lighter, but I'm also very aware, there's no question that it causes pain and it causes upset. I've no secrets. We've never had any secrets. Tough, it is tough, but this is not something that's happened quickly. I've had to deal with this in my head for quite some time.

'We've gone through this together and we've been honest and we've been open. Steph, as I said, I can't write in any statement what I feel about that women.

'She is amazing, she's incredible. There's no one in my life who would have supported me the way, as a wife, as the way she supported me. She's astonishing, literally astonishing.

'It's a good question (why now). You know this has been bothering me for a very long time and I think everybody does these things at their own speed, at their own time, when they feel the time is right.

'I've no secrets': Full transcript from Phillip Schofield's interview with Holly Willoughby on This Morning

'And there's no question that it has in recent times consumed my head and has become an issue in my head.

'And so I got to the stage where I thought we sit here every day, and I'm over there and some amazingly brave incredible person is sitting here, and I'm listening to their story and thinking 'oh my God, you're so brave, oh my God, you're so brave'.

'And I'm thinking 'I have to be that person, I have to be that person'. I think all you can be in your life is honest with yourself. I was getting to the point where I knew I wasn't honest with myself, I was getting to the point where I didn't like myself very much because I wasn't being honest with myself.

'And so, when is the right time, when is the right time to do it? And as a family, it's the right time.

'There are people around the world, there are people in this country, there will be people watching this, and we always say talk to someone, and believe me, believe me, when we say that and we do say that a lot on this show, you must talk to someone, you must talk to someone, i have and it's helped a lot.

'And it's brought me back - i mentioned those dark places in the statement – talking to people does bring you back. And in some cases talking to people saves you. You have to discuss it, with my friends, with my family, with my wife, we've talked it through – and we have to talk it through.

'This is my decision, this is absolutely my decision. It was something I knew that I had to do. And I don't know what the world will be like now - I don't know how this will be taken, or what people will think.

He said: 'But at the same time I will sit here and say actually, I'm proud of myself today. And I am proud of myself today'

'But would I say is that yes, I am very conscious of the hurt, and so my overriding emotion with my family is obviously going to be guilt, because I do feel guilty that this can't be anything other than a painful process for them.

'But at the same time I will sit here and say actually, I'm proud of myself today. And I am proud of myself today. It wasn't easy but they (my daughters) were, they are so amazing in their love and support.

'I sat them down and I told them and they jumped up and they gave me a hug, a big hug, a long hug, and then they hugged Steph and they said it's OK, we'll be OK, we'll always be a family, always us four, is what we always call ourselves. We'll always be that.

'It was the same with my mum, my mum is watching this today. She's been on the phone this morning – hope you're OK. I went down to see her, she's down in Cornwall, and I went down to see her. And I told her and she said 'oh, OK, well, I don't care' - and that's the same with everyone.

'No I don't think so (thinking about future relationships) - I'm not thinking there. I'm doing each day at a time now, this has always been a slow process and there is no fast process after this.

'This was the big day and this was the day that I knew everything was pointing towards and I could not have don't it if it ha

 

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