Married TV star Phillip Schofield told how his wife and daughters responded to him coming out as gay.
This Morning host Phillip turned up as a guest in emotional scenes today where he bravely addressed his sexuality in front of millions of viewers.
The 57-year-old has been married to his long-term partner Stephanie Lowe for 27 years.
They have two beautiful daughters called Molly and Ruby.
Phillip told how he had several heartbreaking conversations with his family who gave him their "strength and support".
He said: "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."
Speaking about his wife, he said: "Steph has been incredible. I love her so very much.
"She is the kindest soul I have ever met. My girls have been astonishing, 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."
Phillip came out as gay in a heartfelt Instagram statement earlier today.
The star, who is married with daughters, made the announcement this morning on social media.
Phillip wrote a lengthy statement which praised his family for supporting him.
He said: "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 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 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.
"Steph has been incredible. I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul I have ever met. My girls have been astonishing, 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 team.
"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 is 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."
