It’s a Sin viewers shocked by Phillip Schofield reference in show: ‘Must just be a coincidence’
Russell T Davies has explained how the line was written before Schofield came out
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It’s a Sin viewers have been left surprised after the TV series made a reference to Phillip Schofield’s sexuality.
During episode three of Russell T Davies’ drama, which is set in the 1980s, Ritchie (Olly Alexander) and his new love interest Donald (Nathaniel Hall) are speculating about which celebrities they’ve heard are gay, including Derek Jacobi.
“I’ll tell you who else: Phillip Schofield,” Donald says, with Ritchie replying: “If only.”
Donald continues: “I had a friend who worked in [CBBC series] The Broom Cupboard, said he’s at it like billy-o.”
Viewers at home found the scene hilarious, with one commenter writing: “As if they’ve made a Phillip Schofield joke.”
“Laughed my a** off at the reference to Phillip Schofield,” another comment read.
But while audiences may assume the line is an intentional Easter egg for viewers, It’s a Sin actually wrapped filming before Schofield came out on live TV last February.
“I watched #ItsASin and had to check filming dates due to the Phillip Schofield mention. Filming wrapped 7 days before he came out (officially). Must just be a coincidence?” one viewer tweeted.
“Already on ep 3 of #ItsASin where there’s a sneaky reference to Philip Schofield being gay. Filming for this finished in January 2020. Schofield came out in February 2020....” another tweet pointed out.
However, in a recent interview with The Times, Davies insisted that he had no prior knowledge about Schofield’s sexuality when he wrote the line.
“Gay men always say that a handsome man on television is gay. So in the 1980s, we always used to say Phillip Schofield was gay,” he said.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
“The [show’s] lawyer said, ‘No, you don’t need to clear this with Schofield, because he’s straight. He’s married with children, we don’t need to check that.’ Only now he’s come out! Isn’t that weird?”
Speaking to Pink News, Davies said again of Schofield: “See, I never thought that Phillip Schofield was gay. I was like a right chump… He’s always been very nice to me – I look a little bit like I’m taking potshots at him now.”
He continued: “Whereas actually, when that was written and filmed we’d all presumed he was so straight that that line was no offence, because I was attacking gay men who always presume that the handsome man on television is gay.”
It’s a Sin returns Friday at 9pm on Channel 4, with all episodes streaming now on All 4.