Phillip Schofield comes out as gay

[Stephen]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51414010

TV presenter Phillip Schofield has revealed he is gay, after 27 years of marriage to his wife Stephanie Lowe.

The 57-year-old made the announcement via a statement posted on his Instagram story.

"Today, quite rightly, being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud," he wrote.

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

Schofield presents ITV programmes including Dancing On Ice and This Morning, which won a National Television Award last week.

The presenter was interviewed by his co-host Holly Willoughby on Friday's edition of This Morning.

"You know this has been bothering me for a very long time," he said. "Everybody does this at their own speed when the time is right."

The presenter added his sexuality has recently "become an issue in my head".