Phillip Schofield paused 'Dancing on Ice' rehearsals to address 'elephant in the room', says pro Matt Evers
Dancing on Ice professional Matt Evers has said that Phillip Schofield paused rehearsals on the show to address his coming out news when he felt like it was an "elephant in the room".
The host of the skating show came out as gay last Friday in a post to Instagram shortly before appearing on This Morning to discuss his announcement with friend and co-star Holly Willoughby.
He told Heart.co.uk: "It was a really nice atmosphere in the studio. I think at one point in production he stopped rehearsals and said ‘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.’”
Read more: Joan Collins says Phillip Schofield coming out is 'odd' as people 'knew he was gay'
The ice skater also explained how Willoughby had "teared up" at the moment before members of the Dancing On Ice team embraced him.
Evers, who is openly gay, competed in the first same-sex partnership on the show alongside Ian 'H' Watkins before they were voted out on Sunday's show.
During the live programme, judge Ashley Banjo addressed Schofield's announcement from a few days earlier as he praised the presenter's bravery.
"Can I just say on a completely separate note that it's been a big, big week," he began.
"You have always been an absolute legend but never ever more so than this week my friend.
“I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say we have got nothing but love and respect for you," the dancer went on.
Schofield has been married to wife Stephanie Lowe for 27 years and the pair share two adult daughters, Ruby and Molly, together.
She has vowed to stand by her husband, having shared that she loves him and "always will".
