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Miriam Margolyes claims she knew Phillip Schofield was gay as she calls him 'brave'

Miriam Margolyes during the filming for the Graham Norton Show at BBC Studioworks 6 Television Centre, Wood Lane, London, to be aired on BBC One on Friday evening. (Photo by Isabel Infantes/PA Images via Getty Images)
Miriam Margolyes called Phillip Schofield 'brave'. (PA Images via Getty Images)

Miriam Margolyes has said that she always suspected Phillip Schofield was gay because she thought he was "a bit camp" as she praised his bravery in coming out last year.

The Call The Midwife star is a favourite guest on This Morning and on Tuesday's show she spoke about her own experiences of coming out to her parents before telling host Schofield that she admired him for coming out in February 2020.

Margolyes, 80, was speaking to Schofield and Holly Willoughby about her new memoir, This Much Is True, where she shares personal stories from her life and career.

Read more: Miriam Margolyes calls Boris Johnson a 'clown'

Schofield, 59, said: "You say that one of the things you regret – which I thought was really sad – was when you came out to your parents and then it wasn't long afterwards your mum had her stroke."

Phillip Schofield arriving at St Michael's church, Heckfield in Hampshire, for the wedding of Anthony McPartlin to Anne-Marie Corbett. Ant is one half of the entertainment duo Ant and Dec. Picture date: Saturday August 7, 2021. (Photo by Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images)
Phillip Schofield came out in 2020. (PA Images via Getty Images)

Margolyes said: "Well I always felt guilty about that. I mean you've been very brave, you came out. I sort of thought you might be gay when I met you because you're a bit camp.

"I suppose I'm a bit camp, too."

The TV presenter smiled and rolled his eyes at the camera as he said: "I think most people in telly are a bit camp, if I'm honest."

Margolyes asked Willoughby: "Are you camp?" as she answered: "Yes, completely."

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield welcomed Miriam Margolyes back to the show. (ITV)
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield welcomed Miriam Margolyes back to the show. (ITV)

Continuing her own story, Margolyes said of her mother: "She couldn't handle it and I think it was too much for her. That's why I say people shouldn't come out to people who can't handle it.

"It's tough to keep it in because I want to share. When I fell in love I wanted to tell everybody that I was in love."

The Harry Potter star also shared the story of being the first woman to swear on British TV.

Read more: Alan Cumming explains why he walked away from Harry Potter

She recalled: "It was University Challenge and I got an answer wrong. I mean you would say it, wouldn't you, because you're exposed in front of everybody making a mistake and I don't like that.

"Funnily enough, I met Bamber Gascoigne a couple of years ago and he remembered. It was 50 years ago or more. I was thrilled. I mean, I don't want to be remembered for saying..."

Margolyes left Schofield and Willoughby looking embarrassed by an anecdote about Alan Cumming and his intimate wardrobe.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31:  Miriam Margolyes attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Miriam Margolyes shared anecdotes from her life. (Getty Images)

Talking about her own appearance, she said: "I've got a fat belly, my tits hang down, it's a nuisance. I mean your areas don't descend, do they?

"I've just done a series with lovely Alan Cumming and he wears a jockstrap. But no knickers! So that really shocked me. I think it gives him a sense of security I suppose. But he's got a lovely shape anyway.

"I was fascinated. In fact he showed me..."

However, at that point Willoughby cut her off by asking whether she would come back to do a fashion show another time.

Watch: Phillip Schofield - 'I had to be honest with myself'