Phillip Schofield worried coming out would be seen as publicity stunt

Phillip Schofield has revealed how he was worried his coming out as gay would be seen as a publicity stunt around the National Television awards.  Phillip came out on This Morning last February and said the date was chosen specifically not to clash with the NTA's.  He told the Life, Interrupted podcast: "The date was decided because we didn't want it to be too close to the NTAs (National Television Awards).  "We didn't want to look like it was a publicity thing. And then I can remember saying 'This is ridiculous, this is the biggest thing I'm ever going to do in my life. How is this a publicity stunt? For what?"'  Phillip said he knew it had to be on This Morning and said he wouldn't have done the interview with anyone other than Holly.   He said: "There's no way it would have been anyone else. There's not a single person on this planet that I would have done that with other than Holly, it was only going to be her. Sign up for a new-look Echo newsletter  It's never been more important to stay in touch with the news, so subscribe now to the Liverpool Echo newsletter. Twice a day, seven days a week, we'll deliver the biggest stories straight to your inbox.  We'll also send special breaking news emails too for the latest stories that matter. You won't miss a thing. How do I sign up?  It's free, easy and takes no time at all. First just click on this link to our newsletter sign-up centre. Once you're there, put your email address where it says at the top, then click on the Echo Daily News button. There are other newsletters available too if you want them as well. When you've made your choice, press the Save Changes button.  "And she was unbelievable. When you're sitting opposite a mate who is doing this, It's a fine line.  "She had to ask the right questions she had. She couldn't give me an easy ride, it had to be tough questions. Presenter Phillip Schofield discusses his recent announcement on ITV's 'This Morning'  "But at the same time making sure that I was OK because she knew that I wasn't. It was tough. That was a very difficult gig for her but she was so magnificent."  Enter your postcode below to claim a free scratchcard  Phil also praised Eamonn and Ruth for their response to his announcement.  He said: "Eamonn and Ruth were brought into the conversation much later but they were as obviously as gracious as you would expect them to be that I needed to nick 10 minutes of their show.  "And so that was it, that was decided."