Phillip Schofield has spoken with friend and TV co-host Holly Willoughby on the This Morning sofa, following his public announcement that he's gay.
Earlier this morning Phillip came out to fans, saying on social media:
"You never know what's going on in someone's seemingly perfect life, what issues they are struggling with, or the state of their well-being - 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."
Soon after, Phillip appeared on the This Morning sofa with his co-host Holly Willoughby, to discuss how he's feeling.
"This decision is essential for me and for my head... I feel a little lighter but I also am very very, aware, there’s no question it causes pain and upset," he said.
Phillip became emotional when he spoke about his "amazing, incredible" wife Steph.
"This is not something that’s happened quickly… we’ve gone through this together, we’ve been honest and open.
"All you can be in life is honest with yourself and I was getting to the point where I didn’t like myself very much because I wasn’t being honest with myself," he told Holly.
"I do feel guilty that this is going to be a painful process for [Steph and the girls]… but I am proud of myself today," he added.
An emotional Holly told him he should be proud and said:
"Whatever happens I’ll be by your side forever"
After This Morning colleagues Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes came to join them on the sofa, Phillip rested his head on Holly's shoulder and said "She is the sister I never had."
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