Entertainment
Miriam Margolyes claims she guessed Phillip Schofield’s sexuality before he came out as gay
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Miriam Margolyes has claimed that she guessed Phillip Schofield’s sexuality before he came out as gay.
The This Morning host spoke publicly about his sexuality last February, breaking down in tears during an emotional appearance on the ITV series.
He thanked those around him, including best pal Holly Willoughby, for their support when he needed them most.
Appearing on the programme today, the Harry Potter actress, 80, claimed she already knew about his sexuality, and praised his bravery in coming out.
When asked about why she regretted coming out to her parents, as her mum had a stroke soon after, the star told the presenter: ‘I always felt guilty about that.
‘I mean, you’ve been very brave. You came out. I sort of thought you might be gay when I met you.
Miriam opened up about the moment she came out (Picture: ITV)
‘You’re a bit camp. And I suppose I’m a bit camp.’
Phil replied: ‘I think most people in telly are a bit camp, if I’m honest.’
Discussing her mum’s response when she came out, and her relationship with partner Heather Sutherland, Miriam continued: ‘Well I felt… She couldn’t handle it and I think it was too much for her.
‘And that’s why I say people shouldn’t come out to people who can’t handle it. It’s tough to keep it in because I want to share.
Phillip discussed his sexuality last February in emotional scenes (Picture: ITV)
‘When I fell in love, I wanted to tell everybody that I was in love. We’ve been together for 53 years.’
Phil, who shares daughters Molly and Ruby with wife Steph, came out at the beginning of last year.
After the scenes, he was handed the special recognition award at the recent LGBT Awards, and was left emotional as he gave a speech.
‘Wow, this is a biggie. What a proud moment for me,’ he told viewers. ‘I can’t tell you – I wish I was there to pick it up personally, I just threw a whole load of track and trace and masks into a bag and went to find some sun and then this happens. I wish I was there with you. I will be next year, I promise.
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‘I’ve never won any award individually. Every award you win, there’s a team that’s there propping you up and definitely that’s the case with this one. I had the most extraordinary people who helped me pack the parachute before I made the jump.
‘Friends and family, loved ones, and then there were an amazing amount of rainbow arms outstretched to catch me when I reached the bottom of my jump. I love that, that’s something I didn’t quite know what to expect. But what a lovely family I’ve thrown myself into.’
Visibly emotional, he added: ‘Thank you. Thank you very much indeed. Life is still a work in progress but aren’t we all?
‘It’s been joyous to meet the people that I have, to have heard the lovely things they’ve said to me, and to share a moment like this with you.’
This Morning continues on weekdays, at 10am, on ITV.
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