The nation applauded Phillip Schofield after he released a statement on his official Instagram account where he told the world he is gay.
Phillip, 57, shared the long announcement just minutes before he appeared on This Morning with his co-host and friend Holly Willoughby.
And now his mother Pat has shared that her son “inspired” her and confessed his revelation left her “staggered” after he drove to Cornwall to tell her.
The TV presenter, who has been married to Stephanie Lowe for 27 years and has three children with her, released a statement where he revealed: “I have been coming to terms with the fact and I am gay.”
Phillip Schofield drove to Cornwall to tell his 83-year-old mum Pat that he is gay
Speaking to The Mirror, Pat, 83, said: “For him to be so brave in front of so many people was inspiring, because I know how hard it was for him to do.
“I love Steph and the girls more than anything in the world and I will always be there for them.”
Pat continued to explain how he drove to Cornwall to tell her the news and says the first thing she said was, “I don’t care”.
She continued: “When Phillip drove to Cornwall to tell me, the first thing I said was I don’t care.
“Yes it was a shock, but nothing as a family that we can’t support and applaud.”
Phillip has been married to his wife Stephanie Lowe for 27 years (Image: Getty Images)
The mum-of-two confessed she loves Phillip and his brother Tom and sweetly said they both feel her with “pride”.
In his online statement, Phillip said: “You never know what’s going on in someone’s seemingly perfect life, what issues they are struggling with, or the state of their state of 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 and 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.
Phillip came out as gay in an interview on This Morning (Image: ITV)
“Yet 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.
Phillip Schofield, with his mum and brother Tim (Image: Internet Unknown)
“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 up.
“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.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
