Phillip Schofield's mum Pat has opened up about her 'brave' and 'inspiring' son after he came out as gay yesterday.
Telly favourite Phillip shared an emotional post on Instagram to tell fans he was gay and praising his wife of almost 27-years Stephanie Lowe and their two children Molly and Ruby for their support.
Speaking to the Mirror, 83-year-old Pat revealed that Phillip had travelled up to her home in Cornwall to tell her before he shared the news with the public.
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She told the newspaper: "For him to be so brave in front of so many people was inspiring, because I know how hard it was for him to do.
"I love Steph and the girls more than anything in the world and I will always be there for them."
Phillip also shared his mum's blasé response to him coming out, saying simply 'I don't care'.
Laughing while on This Morning, he revealed: "My mum has been on the phone all morning.
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"I went down to see her in Cornwall. She said: 'Oh OK, well I don't care.'"
Pat confirmed this to the Mirror, adding: "When Phillip drove to Cornwall to tell me, the first thing I said was, 'I don't care.'
"Yes, it was a shock, but nothing as a family that we can't support and applaud."
She went on to say that both Phillip and his brother Tim fill her with pride. Ahh.
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Making the brave decision to come out, Phillip wrote: "With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay. This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home."
He continued: "My family have held me so close: they have tried to cheer me up, to smother me with kindness and love, despite their own confusions. Yet still I can't sleep and there have been some very dark moments.
"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. Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family.
"Steph has been incredible - I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul I have ever met. My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging words of comfort."
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He ended the post by adding: "Please be kind, especially to my family."
Since his announcement, the This Morning host has been flooded with support from viewers and those within the industry.
Following his announcement, co-host Holly Willoughby shared a smiling snap of the two of them alongside the words: "Never been more proud of my friend than I am today."
Featured Image Credit: InstagramTopics: TV and Film, Celebrity, UK