Phillip Schofield usually needs people to talk as he interviews various guests alongside Holly Willoughby on This Morning. However, he told Alex Scott to 'stop' speaking as she became emotional discussing a tough subject included in her new memoir.
The former Lioness was asked about her troubled childhood as she appeared on the ITV daytime to promote her book, How (Not) to Be Strong. She admitted that delving into her past and writing about her father was the 'hardest part'.
As she sat on the famous sofa, Phillip, 60, read a segment from the book. Former footballer Alex had written: "When my dad was sober he was a charming guy, but the moment drink was involved that would all change. Me, my mum and brother have never spoken about it."
Phillip then commented, after mentioning Alex's upbringing in a block of flats on an east London council estate: "That must have been tricky to write." A clearly emotional Alex didn't speak but simply nodded in response to the host as Holly added: "Even tricky to say..."
The presenter, 41, then continued as she gave Alex time to compose herself: "I think that's the thing when people write autobiographies, you have to go on this press trail and suddenly you have to say it and actually, writing a book is so personal it's like writing a diary."
As Alex took a deep breathe and went to speak, Phillip interjected: "We'll stop," then added: "Stop. Don't do it! Listen, it's in the book."
But the 37-year-old decided to press on and as she fought back tears, she said: "The hardest part is, I didn't write that part to shame my dad. I wanted my mum to be free." As Phillip mentioned how Alex holds her mum up as a role model, she replied: "I want her to see that and believe that [she's a role model] and move forward.
"I write in the book she still thinks she's a coward. She's anything but. She's an incredible woman." And viewers were quick to show their support. @Mabel_Mouse_ said: "I like Alex Scott. I think it’s great when ordinary people do well for themselves. We see far too many people helped up because of their parents or who they know #ThisMorning."
@Anthony76428406 tweeted: "#ThisMorning I’m in tears after watching the lovely Alex Scott going through a difficult time talking about her past. Brave lady." @corriedalexo added: "Oh Alex Scott i love you so much. You are so brave and this book will inspire so many young people #ThisMorning."
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