Phillip Schofield’s wife: I will still be there holding his hand

Phillip Schofield’s wife says she supports him after he came out as being gay following almost 27 years of marriage.

Schofield, 57, spoke about his sexuality publicly for the first time on Friday.

He said during the weekend that he had known he was gay “for a while”, describing his wife “Steph” as “the kindest, sweetest soul I could have possibly met”.

Stephanie, who has two adult daughters with the TV presenter, said she supported his “brave step”.

She told The Sun: “I love Phillip, as much today as I ever have, and always will.

“At the same time, we’ve been awestruck by the strength and love of our precious girls, even as they’ve been trying to make sense of it all for themselves.

“Our family has also been so supportive and will help us going forward.”

She added: “Although this is difficult for us all, I support Phillip in this taking this brave step and I will still be there, holding his hand.

“Everyone should be proud to live their own truth.”

Schofield has said he does not know if the marriage will last and has not said if he is in a relationship with a man.

When he spoke about the situation on Friday, he had told colleague Holly Willoughby that his years of struggling with his sexuality had included some “very dark moments”.

In a statement she read to the audience, he said: “My inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so very much for the better.

“Today, quite rightly, being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud.

“Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family.”

(c) Sky News 2020: Phillip Schofield’s wife: I will still be there holding his hand