Phillip Schofield's wife is said to have been left "absolutely shattered" by him coming out as gay.
In the showbiz story that dominated headlines on Friday, legendary TV host Phillip, 57, made a very public announcement about his sexuality, firstly in a poignant and frank Instagram post and then in a touching interview with This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby, in which he praised his wife of nearly 27 years, Steph Lowe, for being so supportive.
But behind the scenes, The Mirror reports that she was rocked by her famous husband coming out. A friend close to the couple has told the paper that Steph is "absolutely shattered" that "they have been living a lie for so long."
"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."
In his interview with Holly, Phillip, who will be back on screen on Sunday to host Dancing on Ice, told her that was not looking for a new relationship in the wake of his very public coming out.
He explained: "I'm not going there. I'm doing each day at a time. This has always been a slow process.
"This was the big day and this is the day I knew everything was pointing towards."
