Phillip Schofield has announced he is gay.
The This Morning presenter – who has been married for nearly 27 years – made the revelation on Friday morning, sharing an emotional post on his Instagram account.
The statement reads: “You never know what’s going on in someone’s seemingly perfect life, what issues they are struggling with, or the state of their wellbeing — and so you won’t know what has been consuming me for the last few years.
“With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.”
“This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home.
“I have been married to Steph for nearly 27 years, and we have two beautiful grown-up daughters, Molly and Ruby.
“My family have held me so close: they have tried to cheer me up, to smother me with kindness and love, despite their own confusion, Yet still I can’t sleep and there have been some very dark moments.”
The presenter also praises his “incredible” wife, adding: “I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul I’ve ever met.”
Schofield has been a mainstay on UK television for more than 30 years. He got his break in broadcasting in New Zealand but returned to the UK to work on children’s BBC.
His move to ITV saw him become a presenter on This Morning in 2002, as well as co-hosting coverage of major events such as royal weddings.
He has also appeared on the West End stage. Shortly after the announcement, Schofield was interviewed on This Morning by his co-host Holly Willoughby.
Schofield thanked his colleague and good friend for her support, explaining that listening to stories from the show’s guests had motivated his decision to come out as gay.
He said: “There is no question that in recent times it has consumed my head. “I got to the stage where I thought …we sit here every day and I’m over there [on the other side of the sofa] and some amazingly brave, incredible person is sitting there and I am listening to their story and I am thinking, ‘Oh my god, you are so brave’ and I am thinking, ‘I have to be that person.’
“All you can be in your life is honest with yourself. I was getting to the point where I knew I wasn’t honest with myself.”
“And I’m thinking, I have to be that person.”
Shortly after the interview, Willoughby posted a snap of herself and Schofield on Instagram. She captioned it: “Never been more proud of my friend than I am today.”
Support for Schofield poured in on social media with stars including Susanna Reid and David Walliams sharing messages.
Walliams tweeted: “I am sending all my love to Phillip Schofield today. I have always held him in the highest regard, and now have nothing but respect and admiration for him.
“Let’s hope we are moving towards a world where no-one has to come out anymore, they can just be who they are and celebrate that.”
