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indy100
Entertainment
Elaine McCallig

Barry Humphries ‘mistakes’ Dermot O’Leary for Phillip Schofield and congratulates him for ‘coming out’ as gay

This Morning viewers – and even one of the hosts – were left in stitches after a comedian congratulated presenter Dermot O’Leary for “coming out” during a hilarious segment that has now gone viral.

Barry Humphries, best known for his alter ego Dame Edna Everage, offered his compliments to O’Leary for his “bravery” in the most dead-pan of manners while he was being interviewed by him and co-host Alison Hammond.

Of course, O’Leary has never come out as gay but Phillip Schofield, who also presents This Morning, did exactly that last year during an emotional episode on the show.

In the side-splitting clip, the 87-year-old comic addressed O’Leary and earnestly says: “I want to congratulate you by the way, seriously, on your courage.”

Co-host Alison Hammond immediately bursts into a fit of laughter, as Humphries adds: “No, no, when he came out and told us about his sexuality… because I think a lot of people respected you for that.”

Humphries then puts on a visibly confused expression as O’Leary lowers his head and giggles, while Hammond remains in fits of laughter beside him.

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O’Leary then says: “Thank you, I’ll pass that on to the gentleman who’s here from Monday to Thursday.”

Humphries, appearing perplexed, then asks “is what?” and looked around the studio before O’Leary replies, “don’t worry”.

Hammond struggles to compose himself as O’Leary thanks him again for his “kind comments”.

Humphries continues, adding: “No, your bravery was-” before being cut off by Hammond’s giggles.

They then all began to giggle as Humphries says: “By the way, we’re all in show business.”

It’s unclear if the mix up was genuine or a very funny joke from Humphries (more likely the latter, considering Humphries’ comedic style), but the segment had people taking to Twitter to laugh with the This Morning cast and to hail Humphries as a “comic genius”.

Even Specsavers joined in the fun, tweeting: “Should’ve worn Dame Edna’s glasses…”

Schofield last year announced he was gay in an emotional moment on This Morning.

In a statement shared on Instagram, he said: “With the strength and support of my wife and daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.”

He added: “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.”

Although Humphries didn’t share his congratulations with the correct host, we’re certain Schofield will receive and appreciate the memo.

This isn’t the first time in the past few weeks This Morning has grabbed headlines for cracking viewers up.

Last week hosts were left “speechless” when the man with the “world’s largest penis” graced the set, just days after another viral moment when Miriam Margolyes made an “enormous fart” on the show.

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