This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield announced yesterday that he was gay in a heartfelt Instagram statement, which he later spoke out on the ITV show with co-host Holly Willoughby.
Phillip, 57, shared the news with viewers as he thanked his wife Stephanie, who he has been married to for 27 years, and their daughters Molly and Ruby for their support.
Despite Stephanie’s support of her husband, a person close to the couple has told The Mirror that Stephanie is “absolutely shattered” that they have been “living a lie for so long”.
They continued: “Steph is being a rock for Phillip, as she always has been, but there’s no denying she is absolutely shattered by all this.
“She and the girls love him very much and will support him as much as they can, but the knowledge they have been living a lie for so long is terribly hurtful.”
Phillip spoke about his announcement in an emotional This Morning interview (Image: ITV)
They added: “It’s humiliating to think that you’re married to someone who doesn’t love you the way you love them.”
In the emotional This Morning interview yesterday, Phillip confirmed to Holly that he has no plans on finding a partner.
He said: “No, I don’t think so. I’m not going there. I’m doing each day at a time. This has always been a slow process.
Phil’s wife Stephanie is reportedly ‘shattered’ by the news (Image: WireImage)
“This was the big day and this is the day I knew everything was pointing towards.”
Phillip added: “And I couldn’t have done it if it hadn’t been for you [Holly]. But no, there’s no one I’m running off to.”
Asked how Steph is coping with the situation, Phillip continued: “Yeah, it’s tough, but this is not something that’s happened quickly, I’ve had to deal with this in my head for quite some time.
Phillip came out as gay in an emotional statement on social media before going on TV (Image: PA)
“We’ve been honest and open. .. Steph… I can’t write in any statement what I feel about that woman. She’s amazing, she’s incredible.
“There is no one in my life who would have supported me the way… as a wife, as the way she’s supported me. She’s astonishing, literally astonishing.”
Stephanie is yet to comment publicly on the news.
Phillip will be back on This Morning on Monday at 10am on ITV.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
