The mastermind of a dead girlfriend hoax involving a Notre Dame football player tells Dr. Phil he was "deeply, romantically" in love with linebacker Manti Te'o.

Dr. Phil McGraw's interview with Ronaiah Tuiasosopo will air in 2 parts on the Dr. Phil Show starting Thursday.

Te'o has said the relationship with Kekua started online & eventually became serious, even though the 2 only talked on the phone & exchanged electronic messages. Te'o said he was told of Kekua's "death" from leukemia just hours after his grandmother died in September.

McGraw said Tuiasosopo told him the voice of Kekua was his. Tuiasosopo & Te'o have each said that while the Kekua relationship went on for years, there were times when they weren't in contact.

Tuiasosopo said he wanted to end the relationship between Kekua and Te'o before he had to fake Kekua's death.

Dr. Phil says he spent hours with Tuiasosopo & his parents, saying he had a number of life experiences that "damaged this young man in some very serious ways."

McGraw said Tuiasosopo had feelings for Te'o & Dr. Phil asked Tuiasosopo if he is gay.

"He said, 'Well, when you put it that way, yes.' Then he caught
himself & said, 'I am confused,''' McGraw said.

Te'o's publicist declined comment on behalf of Te'o & his family.

(Files from the Associated Press)