Phillip Schofield passionately spoke out after a viewer spoke about her fears of coming out to her church friends - admitting that it was likely that they would no longer want to speak to her if she did.
The 60-year-old - who bravely came out on This Morning in 2020 - declared that her friends "weren't worth knowing" if they failed to accept who she was.
Joining Holly Willoughby and Deirdre for a call-in, Phil had been reacting to caller 'Rachel', who feared that her faith disapproves of her sexuality.
Rachel - who was given an alternative name to obscure her identity - explained that she was part of a faith group that was "very disapproving" of homosexuality or "anything that isn't conventional".
As Holly shook her head, Phil looked unhappy as Rachel continued: "I've had relationships with women when I was younger. I'm in my late 30s now and then I sort of settled for heterosexual relationships. But over the last few months I've met a lady who I'd really like to develop a relationship with.
"And pretty much 90% of my friends are people from church. So I know if I did pursue this relationship and it became public knowledge - which I don't see why I should have to hide it - not only would I risk getting thrown out of church but also leaving all those friendships..."
Unable to bite his tongue anymore, Phil said: "So in 2022, your church and faith group would throw you out?"
"Absolutely," Rachel replied.
Furious, Phil continued: "Well, what's the point in being involved in a world like that?"
"That's exactly how I feel," Rachel admitted.
Phil said: "This is where religion drives me insane! For all the wonderful goodness it does, that aspect - that medieval aspect - which could step in the way. And surely, if there was a god, that god would want you to find some sort of happiness? And be loving? And I truly, truly believe those people aren't worth knowing!"
Deirdre added that she felt for Rachel as she was clearly really torn, but pointed out that she was repressing a huge part of herself in order to toe the line.
Phil added: "I understand within a group like that - I completely understand that within a group like that, some of these things are extremely hard to get your head around, to understand, to adapt to, to evolve. I understand that.
"What I can't get is that you would actually lose your friends and lose your church!"
*This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV
