Phillip Schofield ‘disappointed’ Ulrika Jonsson by ‘burying’ his homosexuality

The TV presenter came out in 2020.

Dan Seddon

Sat, 20 May 2023 at 10:34 am BST

Ulrika Jonsson was left “disappointed” by Phillip Schofield‘s decision to hide his sexuality for many years.

The veteran TV presenter came out as gay on social media three years ago, writing to his followers: “This is something that has caused many heartbreaking 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.”

In her weekend column for The Sun, though, which dissects the headline-grabbing breakdown of Schofield and Holly Willoughby’s relationship, Jonsson questioned Schofe’s act of self-preservation.

“Phil is a talented guy but I was a tad disappointed when it emerged he had felt the need to bury his homosexuality in a wholesome marriage over — what felt like — a fear of damaging his career,” she wrote.

Since his revelation, the This Morning co-presenter has done his best to support others in a similar situation.

Welcoming Dame Kelly Holmes onto the sofa last summer, who’d just confirmed her own homosexuality after 34 years of secrecy, Schofe said: “It’s not that long ago that I sat over there in exactly that place and one day, we won’t have to do these interviews.

“One day it won’t matter and one day we will just be able to be you and get on with your life. However, we’re not quite there yet.”

The Olympic gold medalist replied: “I am relieved to finally do it, but it’s hard to unravel everything. I know the relief will come gradually and the responses have really helped me.”