Machibet AffiliatePhillip Schofield reveals moment his ‘amazing’ daughters ‘jumped up and gave him a big hug’ after coming out – The Sun | The Sun - Mcb777 Affiliate

PHILLIP Schofield today revealed the moment his "amazing" daughters "jumped up and gave him a big hug" after he told them he was gay.

The This Morning presenter recounted how he sat down his two daughters Ruby, 24, and Molly, 27, to deliver the news - and was left overcome by their support.

Phillip Schofield said he had been supported by his daughters, Molly and Ruby, along with wife Stephanie LoweCredit: 3

Holly said she could feel the relief coming from Phillip after he bravely made the announcementCredit: Rex Features

Speaking this morning in a live-on-air interview, the 57-year-old held back tears as he discussed his decision to come out to his wife Stephanie Lowe and daughters after struggling for years with inner turmoil.

Sitting beside fellow host Holly Willoughby, the beloved presenter said it "wasn't easy" to speak to his daughters.

But he said: "They are so amazing in their love and support.

"I sat them down and I told them, and they jumped up and gave me a big hug and then they hugged Steph and they said, ‘It’s OK’."

He added: "We’ll always be a family. Always, us four, is what we call ourselves."

Phillip has been married to wife Stephanie for 27 years, and said he had been stunned by how "incredible" she had been.

But he said he felt the "time was right" to come out, despite fighting feelings of guilt at the "pain and upset" in his family.

And Phillip said he had started to feel "lighter" after telling his family and friends - saying talking about these things is what "saves you".

He said he had likewise been supported by his 83-year-old mum Pat.

He said: "She's been on the phone all morning - 'hope you're OK' - you know - 'thinking of you' - and I went down to see her, she's in Cornwall, and I went down to see her and I told her and she said 'oh, OK - well, I don't care'."

Phillip's full statement:

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 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.

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 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, 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 wife - 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 as 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

Phillip made the announcement on his personal Instagram with an emotional statement, writing: "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."

The presenter married Stephanie Lowe in March 1993, after meeting while she worked as a BBC production assistant and he was working for BBC children's television.

The announcement comes just a few weeks shy of the couple's 27th wedding anniversary on March 30.

Phillip has co-hosted the daytime show with Holly Willoughby for more than a decade.

The presenter has since been inundated with support and was hugged by Holly as she vowed to stay by his side "forever and ever".