Arts & Entertainment

Longtime UK morning host comes out as gay

Published

6 years ago

February 7, 2020

A beloved UK television host has come out as gay, prompting the LGBT equality charity Stonewall to call his revelation a “massive moment” both for him and for society.

Phillip Schofield, a co-presenter of ITV’s “This Morning” who has been married for almost 27 years, on Friday posted a lengthy message on the program’s Twitter account in which he said, “With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact I am gay.”

He went on to say that his sexuality had been the topic of “many heart-breaking conversations at home,” but that his wife, Steph, and his daughters, Molly and Ruby, have been supportive “despite their own confusion” as he has grappled with an “inner conflict” that “contrasts with an outside world that has changed so much for the better.” He also expressed gratitude to his co-presenter on “This Morning,” Holly Willoughby, for being “so kind and wise,” and saying she had hugged him as he “sobbed on her shoulder.”

“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,” the 57-year-old Schofield wrote. “This will probably all come as something of a surprise and I understand, but only by facing this, by being honest, can I hope to find peace in my mind and a way forward.”

He closed with a plea for people to be kind, “especially to my family.”

Stonewall subsequently joined followers and fans on social media to offer support and congratulations to the TV star.

Jeff Ingold, head of media for the UK charity organization, said it was a “hugely powerful and courageous move” for Schofield.

He said, “In the first instance, having high profile, visible, out LGBT people can make a massive difference in not just the lives of LGBT people, to you know 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.

“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.”

Schofield went on Friday’s edition of “This Morning” to open up further about his announcement with Willoughby.

He told her that the decision to go public had not been forced upon him, but that he had come out because “all you can be in your life is honest with yourself and I was getting to the point where I wasn’t being honest with myself and I didn’t like myself very much because I wasn’t being honest with myself”.

He said he felt “lighter,” having made the announcement, while acknowledging that “it causes pain and upset” for his family.

“The thing is you know this has been bothering me for a very long time,” an emotional Schofield said. “Everybody does these things at their own speed, when they think the time is right. It has consumed my head, and has become an issue in my head.”

Willoughby said she could “feel the relief” from her fellow co-presenter, and told him she would stand by him “for ever and ever.”

Schofield first achieved fame in the 1980s as a presenter on Children’s BBC. He went on to host a popular Saturday morning show, “Going Live!,” and he been a presenter on “This Morning” since 2002. He also hosts another popular UK show, “Dancing on Ice.”

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Photos

PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

Published

8 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Guest photographer

A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

Out & About

Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

12 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: July 31-August 6

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

16 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, July 31

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, August 1

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, August 2

“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.

Monday, August 3

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, August 4

The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.

Wednesday, August 5

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Thursday, August 6

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.