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Phillip Schofield tearfully accepts special recognition prize at LGBT Awards

Phillip Schofield has received an LGBT Award after coming out as gay in 2020. (Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images)
Phillip Schofield has received an LGBT Award after coming out as gay in 2020. (Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images)

Phillip Schofield fought back tears as he appeared via video call at the LGBT Awards to accept a special recognition award.

The TV presenter, who came out as gay during an emotional This Morning segment in February 2020, said he was "enormously proud" to be recognised with the prize.

Read more: Schofield admits he is still "pretty confused" months after coming out

Schofield apologised to the organisers of the awards show for being unable to appear in person, revealing he is on holiday during his summer hiatus from the This Morning studio.

"Wow. This is a biggie. What a proud moment for me personally," he said, beginning his video message.

Watch: Phillip Schofield comes out live on This Morning

The 59-year-old added: "I've never won any award individually. Any award you win as a team that's there propping you up and definitely that's the case with this one.

"I had the most extraordinary people that helped me pack the parachute before the jump — friends and family, loved ones and then there were an enormous amount of rainbow arms outstretched to catch me when I reached the bottom of my jump."

Read more: Schofield reveals he missed This Morning filming due to sexuality struggle

Schofield said that his "life is still a work in progress", but that the last year has been a heart-warming experience for him.

He added: "It's been joyous to meet the people I have, to have heard the lovely things they've said to me and share a moment like this with you.

"I wish I was there. I'm sorry I'm not. I am enormously proud. Thank you."

Phillip Schofield delivered a tearful acceptance speech after he was presented with a special recognition award. (British LGBT Awards)
Phillip Schofield delivered a tearful acceptance speech after he was presented with a special recognition award. (British LGBT Awards)

In a lengthy statement issued when he came out, Schofield spoke of the "inner conflict" that had affected him for a long time during his 27-year marriage to wife Stephanie Lowe.

Lowe confirmed her continued support for her husband in a statement, saying she will "still be there, holding his hand" on his journey.

Schofield's coming out moment was praised by charity Stonewall as a "hugely powerful and courageous move” that will have real impact for the wider acceptance of LGBT+ people.

Read more: Simon Cowell praises Phillip Schofield for coming out

Other stars honoured at the British LGBT Awards included Demi Lovato, who was named Celebrity of the Year after coming out as non-binary, and Hillary Clinton, who won the Global Ally award.

It's a Sin actor Olly Alexander was recognised with the Media Moment Award, while there were also prizes for Spice Girl Mel C, boxer Nicola Adams and Wolves and England footballer Conor Coady.

Watch: Will Young reveals his pride after Phillip Schofield comes out