Ashley Banjo insisted he has "nothing but love and respect" for Phillip Schofield as the \'Dancing On Ice\' presenter made his return to TV.
The 57-year-old presenter - who came out as gay on Friday (07.02.20) - was hailed by the \'Dancing On Ice\' judge as he returned to TV screens, with Ashley describing the veteran star as an "absolute legend".
After Phillip and his co-host Holly Willoughby introduced the show\'s judging panel, Ashley said: "Can I say just say Phil, big week and you have always been an absolute legend, but never more than this week, my friend.
"And I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say we have got nothing but love and respect for you."
Ashley\'s comments prompted an outpouring of support for Phillip from the audience, as well as a warm embrace from Holly.
However, Phillip - who also co-hosts \'This Morning\' alongside Holly - was eager not to take the spotlight.
He insisted: "It\'s not about me!"
Phillip - who has been married to wife Stephanie Lowe since 1993 - discussed his decision to come out as gay during an appearance on \'This Morning\' on Friday.
After Holly read out a statement from the presenter, he explained: "It\'s funny, because everyone I\'ve spoken to, you, have all been so supportive, loving and caring, and my entire family, to a person, have grabbed us and said, \'It\'s OK, it\'s OK. We love you, we\'re proud of you.\'
"Every person I tell it gets a little lighter and a little lighter.
"I\'m really very aware that Steph and the girls are at home watching this, and we\'re all together.
"We spent a lot of time together and they\'ve been supporting us as we got to this moment.
"I feel a little lighter but I\'m very aware there is no question it causes pain and upset. We\'ve never had any secrets."
Asked how Steph is coping, he said: "It\'s tough. We\'ve gone through this together. I have to deal with this for quite some time.
"I can\'t write in any statement what I feel.
"She is amazing, she is incredible. There is no one in my life who would have supported me in the way she has supported me."
