Phillip Schofield has shot down a troll who suggested he may be in a relationship with a man he enjoyed a socially distanced walk with.
Instagram users questioned a picture the presenter uploaded which showed him going for a walk with the friend in the countryside.
The This Morning host posted that it was his first distanced walk "with a mate" since lockdown restrictions were eased.
However social media users questioned the pair's relationship after Schofield came out as gay a few months ago.
The presenter was forced to clarify that the person in the photo was a family friend.
He posted: "First socially distanced walk with a mate! Thank you Simon Schofield .. last person I had a drink with before the wheels fell off, first I’ve seen as we try to reattach them!"
The photo showed the host in the foreground with a young man at the back of the shot in the countryside.
However one Instagram user responded with: "Mate, is that what they call it nowadays".
The presenter replied to the comment: "Yes! A mate! That's what they call family friends who you've known for 20 years and who come round to check if you're OK."
When he came out in February, 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.
"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.'
