Phillip Schofield’s wife Stephanie Lowe is said to have been unaware of her husband’s affair with a young colleague at ITV and has been blindsided by the revelation, according to reports.
The longstanding This Morning presenter stepped down from his role with “immediate effect” just days before Phil confirmed he had a relationship with his colleague.
The 61-year-old, who came out as gay in 2020, admitted to lying to those around him about the relationship and his wife has been left furious with him.
The TV presenter made the announcement on the ITV programme about coming out as gay with the full support of his wife and their two daughters Molly, 29, and Ruby, 26, explaining how his family and their love had helped him through his torment.
He revealed that after 27 years of marriage to wife Stephanie, he had realised that he was actually attracted to the same sex.
According to reports, friends say that Stephanie had no idea he was in a relationship because Phil had always described the man as a friend and colleague.
It has also been claimed the former This Morning star’s eldest daughter Molly only found out about her father’s statement when reading an article.
A source told the Mail: “Steph is absolutely devastated, she had no idea of any of this. She is a trusting woman who has supported Phil for many, many years so this has been a real shock to her.
“Phil always positioned the man as a friend so that has prompted a fair bit of anger, to put it mildly.
“It is literally the most heartbreaking thing that could have happened to Steph, it isn’t just the relationship but the deceit.”
Phil and his wife were close and in April even attended television star Leigh Francis’s 50th birthday party together.
The presenter has also been pictured wearing his wedding ring three years after coming out as gay.
Friends of Phil’s say that he was being supported by his daughters following his confession that he had lied about his relationship with the young man.
In a lengthy statement issued on Friday 26 May, Phil admitted to “lying” about an affair with a This Morning employee and added he is “deeply sorry”.
Phil shared: “I did have a consensual on-off relationship with a younger male colleague at This Morning.”
At the time Phil came out as gay in 2020, he said on the programme: “Steph has been incredible – I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul I have ever met.
“My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging words of comfort.”
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