Phillip Schofield's wife is reportedly 'absolutely shattered' by the TV host coming out as gay.
The 57-year-old shared a heartfelt statement to Instagram on Friday, saying he was "coming to terms with the fact that I am gay."
He later swapped his usual presenter role on This Morning as he was interviewed by co-star and friend Holly Willoughby, where he admitted to the struggles he had faced but that he had received love and support from his family.
A close friend of wife Stephanie Lowe told The Mirror: "Steph is being a rock for Phillip, as she always has been, but there's no denying she is absolutely shattered by all this.
"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."
Although the couple have been married for 27 years, and have two daughters together, Phil has not yet confirmed what will happen with their marriage.
In his interview with Holly, he described his wife as 'incredible' and 'astonishing' before being overcome with emotion.
He said: " 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."
The questioning came to an end when Holly called Phil over to her side where they embraced.
Holly said: "Whatever happens in the future I will be sat by your side - in fact come and sit here here, where you should be. It feels too weird.
"And I will be by your side forever, ever and ever," she added as she gave Phil a big hug.
The high-profile presenter revealing his sexuality has been hailed as 'brave and powerful, including by LGBT charity Stonewall.
A number of fellow presenters in showbiz have publicly shown their support for Phil, with Ant and Dec tweeting: "Huge respect and admiration for our friend."
Actor and singer John Barrowman, who appears with Schofield on ITV series Dancing On Ice, also welcomed his news and said "the nation loves you for who you are".
