Holly Willoughby poses for selfie as friend Phillip Schofield enjoys his first Pride parade

Holly Willoughby wanted to be in London for Phillip Schofield's first Pride parade - but had a good reason for not attending the celebrations

Holly Willoughby took to Instagram to wish people a happy Pride on Saturday.

But she explained she couldn’t be in London for the celebrations with the rest of the ITV team – including pal Phillip Schofield who recently came out as gay - because it was her dad’s 70th birthday.

The 41-year-old This Morning presenter shared a summery snap in a blue floral midi dress.

Posing with her dog Bailey, she said: “The sun is shining down on @pride London today.

“If you are going, have the best time... wish I was with my @itv family today at the parade but it’s my dad’s 70th birthday celebration this weekend... enjoy! #pride #lgbtq.”

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Attending his first Pride parade, her co-host Philip looked like he was having the best time.

The 60-year-old was joined by colleagues Alison Hammond, Lorraine Kelly and the stars of Loose Women.

Posing next to Alison, 47, who was sporting a rainbow dress and sparkly trousers, Phil he told fans he was having "a day with the legend that is @AlisonHammond."

He then shared a pic of himself with Loose Women, Judi Love, Charlene White and Linda Robson.

In 2020 the Oldham-born star bravely came out as gay on Instagram, before explaining the situation on This Morning.

He said: "You never know what's going on in someone's seemingly perfect life, what issues they are struggling with, or the state of their wellbeing - and so you won't know what has been consuming me for the last few years.

"With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.

"My inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so very much for the better.

"Today, quite rightly, being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud."

Dame Kelly Holmes - who recently came out as gay - and Gok Wan were also there

Image:

( Getty)

Phil recently supported Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes – who was also spotted enjoying her first Pride – after she came out on This Morning.

Explaining how hard it was to make the decision to speak about her sexuality, she admitted she'd had some 'really dark times'.

Comforting her, Phil said: "It's not that long ago that I sat over there in that exact same place.

"And we said, as we gave you a hug when you walked in this morning, 'One day, we won’t have to do these interviews. One day it won't matter. One day you will just be able to be you and get on with your life'."

More than a million people are expected to descend on the capital for Pride celebrations in London this weekend.

This year’s event is extra special, as we celebrate 50 years since the historic Pride march of 1972.

The theme for London Pride 2022 is #AllOurPride, a reference to the uniting of Pride’s history and all the people that have been a part of it.

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