Phillip Schofield has opened up in depth about what it was like coming out as gay to the nationand says his best friend Holly Willoughby was “vital” in the process.
This Morning’s Phil, who has a wife, Stephanie, and two grown-up daughters, surprised fans back in February when he released a brave statement announcing he was gay. While he always had the support of his family and co-presenter Holly, Phil recalled how important she actually was in a recent interview.
“[Holly was] absolutely vital, couldn't have done it with anyone else, I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to be sat beside me,” he said on The One Show.
“We had a big lead up, Holly was one of the first people I told when I knew what I had to do, she is such a wise person. She has got such a calm sensitive aura to her, at home everyone was saying it'll be fine and Holly was saying at work, 'it'll be fine', she was the only one that knew at that time at work.”
CHECK OUT: Holly Willoughby - all her clothes from This Morning and where to get it cheaper on the high street
Holly Willoughby: All her clothes from This Morning and where to get it cheaper on the high street
1 of 6TUESDAY 3 May
Today Holly has opted for a smart casual look. She's wearing a blue floral ruffle top, black trousers and black heels. What we're loving about this outfit is that you can dress it up with heels like Holly, or keep it casual with trainers. Holly's outfit costs more than £150 but we've found a high street dupe...What Holly is wearing:Ditsy floral contrast broderie ruffle blouse, Warehouse, £69.Clara trousers, Sezane, £95.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From New Look you can recreate Holly's entire outfit for less than £40...
2 of 6holly willoughby this morning outfit 3 may 2022
3 of 6WEDNESDAY 4 May
It's Wednesday and again Holly has opted for a smart/casual outfit. She's paired a white shirt, green midi skirt and nude heels together. Again this is a great outfit if you're heading into the office or going out for lunch with the girls. Holly's outfit is on the pricer side, so we've found a similar look that'll save you some cash...What Holly is wearing:Pure Collection linen shirt, John Lewis, £85.Suede wrap skirt, Jigsaw, £285.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From River Island you can copy Holly's style for less than £70...
4 of 6holly willoughby 4 may 2022
5 of 6THURSDAY 5 May
It's Thursday and for her final look of the week, Holly is wearing a blue and white floral dress. The This Morning presenter looks gorgeous and we're loving this dress. We're not the biggest fan of the £200+ price though, so we've found a high street dupe.What Holly is wearing:Fellini blue and cream tropical print cotton shirt dress, L.K. Bennett London, £299.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From Forever Unique you can recreate Holly's outfit for less than £60...
6 of 6holly willoughby this morning outfit
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Phil has recently released his memoir, Life is What You Make it,and in it he recalled an instance where he was forced to turn back from work hours before filming.
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“It was the first time my issues had spilled over into work. Another day I had to leave a fashion item to be sick. I now know that I needed professional help,” he said. “It was a very stupid thing to do... all my closest friends knew how ragged my head was but no one except Steph knew why.
“I sat alone in the flat, staring at the walls, as This Morning started on the other side of London.”
He also said that he had “never lied” to his wife of 27 years Steph and for a long time she was the only person who knew the truth about his sexuality.