Ashley Banjo: Phillip Schofield shaking with nerves on 'DOI' after coming out
Ashley Banjo has said Phillip Schofield was so nervous that he was “shaking” as he got ready to host Dancing On Ice just two days after coming out.
Schofield came out as gay in an emotional Instagram post last month, shortly before appearing on This Morning to discuss his announcement with close friend and co-host Holly Willoughby.
A couple of days later, the star was back on TV to present ITV’s Dancing On Ice, where he was visibly emotional as judge Banjo called him “an absolute legend” and assured him that he had the entire team’s love and respect.
Read more: Phillip Schofield’s statement in full
Banjo told The Sun Online: “I didn't plan to make him cry but I said what I felt in the moment. It just felt right.
"Before the show he was shaking with nerves backstage. It felt right to tell him, 'It's all good, let's get on with it'."
Schofield has been married to his wife Steph for 27 years and shares two adult daughters with her, Molly and Ruby.
Read more: Eamonn Holmes supports Phillip Schofield
The TV star thanked his wife and daughters for their support when he made the emotional revelation.
He said in his post to Instagram: “This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home.
“My family have held me so close: they have tried to cheer me up, to smother me with kindness and love, despite their own confusion.
"Yet still I can’t sleep and there have been some very dark moments.”
The presenter was praised by both fans and celebrities after opening up about his sexuality.