Frankly, I’m unsurprised it’s taken Phillip Schofield this long to come out

Many gay people who grew up in the Seventies and Eighties hid their sexuality – perhaps even from themselves, writes Shappi Khorsandi

Schofield and Holly Willoughby on today’s broadcast of ‘This Morning’ (ITV/Rex)

The expression “openly gay” never sat right with me. You might “openly” shoplift or “openly trespass” or “openly” pee in a public place (I have only ever done two of these things). It’s only of note if you are “openly” doing something you shouldn’t be doing or be seen doing. I look forward to the day when “openly gay” makes as much sense as “openly blonde” or “openly popping to the shops” or “openly tap dancing”. I am now “openly” labouring my point.

Today, Phillip Schofield, in a touching statement, told us all that he is gay. He’s been married to his wife for 27 years, has two grown-up daughters and asked for “kindness”.