TV Host Phillip Schofield Comes Out as Gay at 57

On Friday morning, Phillip Schofield, a personality and television presenter for This Morning in the U.K., as well as host for Dancing on Ice, came out as gay. In an Instagram post, as well as an interview on the show, Schofield, explained how the process has been for him.

"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 in a letter posted to Instagram Stories. This Morning has since reposted the note to Twitter. "With the strength and support of my wife and daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay."

Schofield has been married to his wife Stephanie for 27 years and has two children, Molly and Ruby. He says his revelations about his sexuality has caused "many heartbreaking conversations at home."

"My inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so very much for the better," Schofield wrote. "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."

The presenter confirmed that his family has been supportive of his coming out process to both him and his wife.

"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's my turn to share mine," he wrote. "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."

On air, Schofield, who is a 30+ year veteran as onscreen talent, talked about coming out to his mother and the rest of his family.

"I sat them down and told them, and they jumped up and gave me a big hug, a long hug, and then they hugged [my wife] Steph, and they said, 'It's okay, this is fine, we'll be okay, we'll always be a family,'" he said of the conversation with his children. "'Us four' is what we always call ourselves."

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