Phillip Schofield shared a group hug backstage on ‘Dancing On Ice’ on Sunday (09.02.20) after addressing the "elephant in the room" of his coming out as gay on ‘This Morning’ just days before.
The 57-year-old presenter – who co-hosts the ITV show alongside ‘This Morning’ co-star Holly Willoughby – made a point of halting rehearsals so he could speak to everyone about his decision to go public with his sexuality on Friday (07.02.20).
Professional skater Matt Evers admits it was a "really nice moment" and he, along with five others, embraced Phillip and he assured him that everything was going to be fine.
Speaking to Heart.co.uk, Matt said: "It was a really nice atmosphere in the studio. I think at one point in rehearsals he kind of stopped production and said, ‘OK I just need to say this, I don’t want to be the elephant in the room anymore, if you want to give me a hug, give me a hug.’
"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.
"Holly teared up and there was 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.’ "
Matt – who was one half of the show’s first ever same-sex skating partnership with Ian ‘H’ Watkins’ before they were voted off on Sunday – insists coming out will have a positive impact on Phillip’s Matt – who is gay – added: "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."
After Phillip and Holly introduced the show’s judging panel at the start of the episode, Ashley Banjo said: "Can I say just say Phil, big week and you have always been an absolute legend, but never more than this week, my friend. And I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say we have got nothing but love and respect for you."
However, Phillip – who has been married to his wife Stephanie since 1993 – insisted: "It’s not about me."
Phillip Schofield shared a ‘nice moment’ backstage on Dancing On Ice after coming out
