‘Talking saved me’: Phillip Schofield shares how speaking to loved ones helped him when he came out

Phillip Schofield revealed that ‘talking saved [him]’ when he came out as gay, as he encouraged others to rely on their loved ones during times of struggle.

The This Morning presenter, 58, shared the JustGiving page of Alison Watson, whose son Morgan tragically took his own life on Sunday, and spoke about the way talking to those around you can help.

In his candid Twitter post, which he posted on Thursday, Phil wrote: ‘Another heartbreaking story. There is strength in talking. 

‘Please don’t try to fight your head on your own. Talking saved me,’ he admitted.

Alison set up the fundraising page to support the Guernsey Mind charity to try and prevent male suicide following her tragic loss, and she has raised over £5,000 so far.

She wrote: ‘We are heartbroken at his loss and have started this fundraising page in the small hope that we can prevent others suffering as we are losing someone they love as we love Morgan so much. 

‘Our hearts are breaking. Talking to whoever is so important for everyone, especially young men. Stay safe xxx’

Phillip surprised fans on February 7 by issuing a statement on social media declaring that after 27 years of marriage, he was ‘coming to terms with the fact that I am gay’.

In a choreographed follow-up, he took his place on the This Morning sofa besides co-host Holly Willoughby to further pour his heart out.

Writing on Instagram about his decision to come out, he said: ‘With the strength and support of my wife and daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.

‘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.’

He later admitted in a newspaper interview that it was too early to say if he and Steph would stay married.

‘It has taken me a long time to get here, I am not rushing to get to any other place,’ he said. ‘We will always be a family… And where the wind blows us I don’t know. But I still love Steph as much as when we first met. More probably.’

Phillip is married to wife Stephanie and the couple are parents to Molly, 27, and Ruby, 24.

The presenter previously revealed he had been leading the ‘perfect life’ after getting married and raising his two children, claiming he hadn’t wanted anything to get in the way of his happiness.

But he said he was ‘naive’ to think he could suppress his sexuality when he married Stephanie 27 years ago, and he didn’t consider his sexuality as it was such a ‘joyous time’ for him.

Phillip also admitted he battled depression as he struggled with his sexuality, and even sought therapy to come to terms with it, before deciding he found it more helpful speaking to friends in private.

If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org