Phillip Schofield’s daughter has spoken of her pride for her dad after he announced he was gay.
Talent boss Molly, 27, posted a family snap of her with Phil, mum Stephanie and sister Ruby, 24, and the message: “Love you always, so proud of you.”
Phillip, 57, came out via an Instagram post before opening up about his sexuality to co-host Holly Willoughby on This Morning on Friday.
He told viewers he had been in a “dark” place and the secret had been “consuming” him. He said it had led to “many heartbreaking conversations at home” with wife of 27 years Stephanie and his daughters.
“This is tough,” he said. “This is not something that has happened quickly.”
He said of Stephanie: “I cannot write in any statement how I feel about that woman. She is amazing.”
Telly insiders revealed colleagues at This Morning said Phil’s sexuality was an “open secret” but never discussed.
They say the star only revealed his plans to come out to ITV bosses in a hastily called meeting on Thursday along with Holly, 38, who had known for a while.
A source said: “He was clearly under huge stress. We’re all pleased for him.”
Piers Morgan said he was shocked by the news and that Phillip, a friend of 30 years, had “extraordinary guts”.
He added: “I wish him all the best.”
Sources say Stephanie has no plans to chase Phillip for a multi-million pound divorce.
“Steph isn’t bitter over Phil’s coming out,” said an insider. “She isn’t the type to be spiteful by dragging him into court.
“She’s saying she’ll stick with him until he’s settled and happy in a new relationship, and then they’ll talk about an amicable split deal.”
His worth is an estimated £8million. He gets £600,000 a year for This Morning and £45,000 an episode for fronting Dancing On Ice.
Phillip told how frosty relations with Eamonn Holmes, 60, and Ruth Langford, 59, have thawed after his moving appearance.
He tweeted: “I couldn’t have hoped for a better, calming and loving set of hugs and support, I adore them both.”
