Phillip Schofield's wife Stephanie Lowe has been left "absolutely shattered" after the TV host came out as gay in a bombshell statement.
The 57-year-old This Morning star bravely shared his news in a heartfelt Instagram statement, thanking Stephanie and their two adult daughters Molly and Ruby for their support.
Despite being Phillip's rock and supporting his decision, a friend close to the couple has told The Mirror that Stephanie is "absolutely shattered" that "they have been living a lie for so long."
"Steph is being a rock for Phillip, as she always has been, but there's no denying she is absolutely shattered by all this.
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"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."
They added: "It's humiliating to think that you're married to someone who doesn't love you the way you love them."
Stephanie and Phil have been married for nearly 27 years.
Since his statement on Friday morning, Phil has confirmed he's not looking for a new relationship now he's officially out.
He's yet to address what will happen with his marriage, but hinted their romantic relationship has come to an end.
Emotional co-star Holly Willoughby asked if he was looking for a new partner, to which he replied: "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.
"This was the big day and this is the day I knew everything was pointing towards.
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"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.
"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," he added, overcome with emotion.
Stephanie is yet to break her silence on the news.
It came after Phil released his statement on his Instagram Story.
"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," he wrote.
"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.
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"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 confusions. Yet still I can't sleep and there have been some very dark moments."
He went on: "Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family."
"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 and encouraging words of comfort.
"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.
"My friends are the best, especially Holly, who has been so kind and wise – and who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder.
"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.
"Please be kind, especially to my family. Phillip."
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