Matt Evers praises Phillip Schofield for 'normalising' coming out

Matt Evers has praised Phillip Schofield for "normalising" coming out as a gay man.

The \'Dancing on Ice\' skater applauded the 57-year-old television presenter - who revealed he was gay live on \'This Morning\' - for his bravery, and he believes it will help other people who are internally struggling with their sexuality.

Speaking to The Sun newspaper, Matt said: "It has to not be a thing to come out.

"There are a lot of people who are struggling with their identity and struggling with their sexuality, and just making it more normal helps people ease into that process."

Like Phillip - who has been married to Stephanie Lowe since 1993 - Matt, 43, came out as gay in his twenties whilst he was married to a woman.

He added: "I didn\'t realise I was gay until my mid-20s. Everyone goes through their own process."

Meanwhile, Steph - who has two daughters, Molly, 27, and Ruby, 24, with the \'Dancing on Ice\' host - has vowed to stand by her husband.

She said: "I love Phillip, as much today as I ever have, and always will.

"We\'ve been awestruck by the strength and love of our precious girls, even as they\'ve been trying to make sense of it all for themselves.

"Our family have also been so supportive and will help us going forward.

"Although this is difficult for us all, I support Phillip in taking this brave step. I will still be there, holding his hand. Everyone should be proud to live their own truth."

Matt also revealed that he and Phillip shared a group hug backstage on \'Dancing On Ice\' after addressing the "elephant in the room".

Matt admitted it was a "really nice moment" as he, along with five others, embraced Phillip, assuring the presenter that everything was going to be fine.

He recalled: "It was a really nice atmosphere in the studio. I think at one point in rehearsals he kind of stopped production and said, \'OK I just need to say this, I don\'t want to be the elephant in the room anymore, if you want to give me a hug, give me a hug.\'"