Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson has praised This Morning regular Phillip Schofield for helping come out a decade ago.
The soap star, who plays Ste Hay in the hit Channel 4 series, took took social media to post a snap of himself on This Morning.
The dad-of-two captioned the shot: “Philip and Holly were the first people I told on This Morning 10 years ago.
“Letting me be brave and honest and confronting my truth.”
Kieron added: “It was the best thing I did and have nothing but love and respect for him today ALL hail Schofe!”
Kieron Richardson came out on This Morning ten years ago to Holly and Phil (Image: ITV)
During the live TV appearance Phillip carefully helped Kieron address his sexuality by referencing his soap character.
Phil said: “Of course, this is on the telly and this is part of a character, but there are elements here that are in actual fact quite close to your life yourself. And what would they be?”
Looking nervous, Kieron replied: “The fact that I am gay in real life and at 20 years old I have kind of accepted it myself.
“Now I can finally relate to my character Ste, that he’s 20 and he’s going through things that I went through in my past.”
Phillip got emotional as he came out to Holly on the show yesterday (Image: ITV)
Supporting him, Phil replied: “The people that know you will know that this is no great surprise there, because your friends know, your work colleagues know, you’ve had the conversation with your parents, but you’ve never actually said it out loud.”
Released the truth was out there, Kieran continued: “I feel that it’s relevant and the storyline is relevant to some situations in my life and if maybe I could help people who are going through the same thing, then it’s a bonus.”
On Friday, Phillip won the respect of the nation after deciding to bravely come out on This Morning.
Sitting alongside Holly, the 57-year-old looked nervous as she read his statement out loud.
Kieron Richardson has praised Phillip Schofield for helping him to come out on This Morning 10 years ago (Image: ITV)
“It’s funny because everyone I’ve spoken to, including you, has been so supportive and so loving and caring.
“My entire family have and said it’s ok, I love you.
“Every person I tell it gets a little easier.”
Thinking about his family, Philip added: “I am very aware Steph and the girls are watching this. We’ve spent a lot of time together.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
