Phil had shoulder to cry on
With Gordon the Gopher in 1988 announcement was welcomed by equality charity Stonewall’s Jeff Ingold. He said: “It’s a hugely powerful and courageous move Phillip has made to be open about himself, particularly in the public eye at a time when everyone will have an opinion on social media. “It’s a massive moment, I think for him and for society in general. Having high-profile, visible, out
SHOWMAN Schofield in costume for Joseph And His Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1991
LGBT people can make a massive difference, not just to the lives of LGBT people, to be able to watch something and see themselves reflected and someone who they identify with, but also for the general public to see and hear the stories of LGBT people can go a long way in changing the way that people see and think and feel about LGBT people as a community.”
Little Britain star Matt Lucas, 45, was among the first celebrities to share their support for Schofield.
He referred to the puppet Gordon the Gopher, who appeared alongside Schofield in the Broom Cupboard on Children’s BBC in the 1980s. Lucas tweeted: “I’m not surprised about Phillip Schofield. Growing up I remember him presenting with Gordon the Gopher from inside that closet! Joking aside, that cannot have been an easy statement to make. People come out at different stages in their lives. Good luck, Phillip xxxx.”
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan, 54, tweeted: “Takes a lot of guts to do this, not least when you’re a very public figure & know it will all be dissected in a very public way.
Sending my very best to @schofe & his family.”
Actor and singer John Barrowman, 52, who appears with Schofield on ITV series Dancing on Ice, welcomed his news and said “the nation loves you for who you are”.
On Instagram, he said: “So proud of you and your family Phillip. Welcome to your truth and authentic self.
“Can’t wait to hug you and don’t worry we got your back we are £LGBTQ+strong,” he added.
Dancing On Ice contestant and Steps star Ian “H” Watkins, 43, posted on Instagram: “Bravo Phillip for your honesty.. Coming out is difficult but
JEFF INGOLD SPEAKING FOR STONEWALL
It is a hugely powerful, courageous move he has made