The wife of TV presenter Phillip Schofield has been left 'absolutely shattered' by her husband coming out as gay in a statement on Friday morning.
A friend close to the couple said Stephanie Lowe was shattered that 'they have been living a lie for so long'.
The 57-year-old presenter of This Morning shared his news in a heartfelt Instagram statement, thanking Stephanie and their two adult daughters Molly and Ruby for their support.
Despite being Phillip's rock and supporting his decision, a friend close to the couple has told The Mirror that Stephanie 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," the Mirror reported the friend as saying.
"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."
Stephanie and Phil have been married for nearly 27 years.
Since his statement on Friday morning, Phil has confirmed he's not looking for a new relationship now he's officially out.
He's yet to address what will happen with his marriage, but hinted their romantic relationship has come to an end.
Emotional co-star Holly Willoughby asked if he was looking for a new partner, to which he replied: "No, I don't think so. 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.
Stephanie is yet to break her silence on the news.
It came after Phil released his statement on his Instagram Story.
"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," he wrote.
"With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay."
"This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home.
