This Morning host Phillip Schofield reveals he’s gay after 27 years of marriage

Married for 27 years, one of the UK’s most popular presenters has made a stunning announcement about his personal life live on TV.

A much-loved British television host has revealed he is gay after 27 years of marriage.

Phillip Schofield, who hosts ITV’s This Morning program, made the revelation on Friday morning (UK time) as he paid tribute to his wife of 27 years and two daughters, according to The Sun.

The 57-year-old wrote on Instagram: “With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to the terms with the fact that I am gay”.

“This is something that has caused many heartbreaking conversations at home. I have been married to Steph for nearly 27 years, and we have two beautiful grown-up daughters, Molly and Ruby,” he added.

“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 I still can’t sleep and there have been some very dark moments.”

A statement from Phillip pic.twitter.com/iIE7NcLZ2I

— This Morning (@thismorning) February 7, 2020

‘I LOVE HER SO VERY MUCH’

Schofield said he was feeling “pain and confusion” from the “hurt” he was causing his family, but his wife had been “incredible”.

“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,” he said.

“Steph has been incredible – I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul I have ever met. “My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs, encouraging words of comfort.”

Schofield met Stephanie while she was working as a BBC production assistant and he was working for BBC children’s television.

They have two daughters together, Ruby, 24, and Molly, 27.

“Both mine and Steph’s entire families have stunned me with their love, instant acceptance and support. Of course they are worried about Steph, but I know they will scoop us both up,” he said.

Schofield added being gay was “a reason to celebrate and be proud” and the world had changed “so very much for the better”.

Stefan Dennis (left) with Phillip Schofield when he hosted the British Soap Awards. Picture: TV Guide

Schofield with Christine Bleakley when they hosted Dancing On Ice UK. Picture: Supplied

REALISATION DIDN’T ‘HAPPEN QUICKLY’

The TV presenter also paid tribute to his co-host, Holly Willoughby, and the team at ITV.

This Morning is one of the most popular morning television shows in the UK, and Schofield and Willoughby, who have presented the program together for more than a decade, are a much-loved duo.

“My friends are the best, especially Holly, who has been so kind and my wife – and who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder,” Schofield said.

“At ITV, I couldn’t hope to work with more wonderful, supportive teams. Every day on This Morning, I sit in awe of those we meet who have been brave and open in confronting their truth – so now it’s my turn to share mine.

“This will probably all come as something of a surprise and I understand but only by facing this, by being honest, can I hope to find peace in my mind and a way forward.”

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have hosted 'This Morning' for more than a decade. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

In a moving interview live on air, he told Willoughby: “It’s tough but this is not something that’s happened quickly, I’ve had to deal this in my head for quite some time”.

“I got to the stage where I thought we sit here, every day, and some amazingly brave person is sitting over there and I’m thinking ‘I have to be that person’.

“All you can be in your life is honest with yourself. I was getting to a stage in my life where I was thinking I don’t really like myself because I’m not being honest with myself.

“We always say ‘talk to someone’ … and you must talk to someone. It’s brought me back from some dark places and in some cases talking to people saves you.”

‘NEVER BEEN MORE PROUD’

In emotional scenes, he then hugged Willoughby, who vowed she would always sit next to him and be there “forever and ever”.

On Instagram, she wrote: “Never been more proud of my friend than I am today.

“We’ll be together at 10am on This Morning x”

The announcement was met positively by fans and fellow celebrities, including the stars of Little Britain, Matt Lucas and David Walliams.

“I’m not surprised about Phillip Schofield. Growing up I remember him presenting with Gordon the Gopher from inside that closet! Joking aside, that cannot have been an easy statement to make. People come out at different stages in their lives. Good luck Phillip xxxx,” Lucas wrote on Twitter.

“I am sending all my love to @Schofe today. I have always held him in the highest regard, ans 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,” Walliams wrote.

Schofield’s statement comes just a few weeks shy of his 27th wedding anniversary on March 30.

He had previously marked his silver wedding anniversary in 2018 on Instagram, gushing: “Two birthdays and a Silver Wedding Anniversary in one week! That’s a lot of cards. Happy 25th Mrs S”.

The presenter first began his career in the media in 1982 – working in New Zealand radio before returning to the UK to work for the BBC.

He then hosted ITV shows including Schofield’s Quest before snagging the role as This Morning presenter in 2002.

Schofield is also known for his work with charities, becoming the patron for the charity CHASE hospice care for children.

This story first appeared on The Sun and was republished with permission.