TV personality Phillip Schofield stalled rehearsals on Dancing on Ice to address the “elephant in the room” after coming out as gay.
The This Morning presenter sent tremors last week after publicly coming out, who has since received an outpour of support from loved ones, co-workers and activists.
Schofield swung by the Dancing on Ice set before the show went to air to discuss the news. Co-star Holly Willoughby became bleary eyed as the 57-year-old addressed the cast and crew, according to professional dancer Matt Evers.
Phillip Schofield: ‘I don’t want to be the elephant in the room anymore.’
Speaking on today’s Heart breakfast talkshow, Evers recalled the moment Schofield stopped the show rehearsals.
“’OK I just need to say this’,” Schofield said, according to Evers, “‘I don’t want to be the elephant in the room anymore’.
“‘If you want to give me a hug, give me a hug’.”
#DancingOnIce pro @TheMattEvers chats to @JamieTheakston and @LucyHorobin about how he’s feeling after being eliminated from @dancingonice this weekend ⛸🕺👏
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“He was very sensitive to the viewers at home as well and he kinda wanted to get that out in dress rehearsal before we were live and it was a really nice moment.’
Evers continued: “Holly teared up and there were about five or six of us that were stood around at him at that point and we just all kind of gave him a hug and said: ‘Do you know what, you’re gonna be fine.
“‘Anybody that goes through that at whatever point in their life, when you start living your real truth, you just become more of a loving person, and not that he wasn’t loving previously but there’s a weight that is lifted off of your shoulders’.”
Many of the Dancing on Ice members have paid tribute to Schofield bravely coming out as gay.
Celebrity judge John Barrowman wrote: “So proud of you and your family Phillip.
“Welcome to your truth and authentic self. The nation loves you for who you are!