British TV television personality Phillip Schofield has come out as gay.
ITV's This Morning presenter announced the news on Twitter and sat with co-host Holly Willoughby as she read his statement during Friday's show live on air.
Schofield, who started his broadcasting career in New Zealand, told Willoughby he battled years of "inner conflict" while married to his wife of 27 years Steph Schofield, who he shares two children with, Ruby and Molly.
He is now ready to "celebrate and be proud" of his sexuality.
During his tearful announcement, Schofield issued a touching tribute to his wife.
"I'm really very aware that Steph and the girls are at home watching this and we're all together, and we spent a lot of time together, we spend a lot of time together obviously.
"And they've been supporting us as we got to this moment and we all knew it was coming. I feel a little lighter, but I'm also very aware, there's no question that it causes pain and it causes upset."
According to the MailOnline, during his marriage, Schofield was repeatedly asked if he was homosexual, which he denied.
"Nobody has ever said that to my face. People say all sorts of things, it makes no odds to me what people say, but I think my girlfriend would have something to say about it," he told the Evening Standard in 1992.
Schofield first gained popularity as a household name in New Zealand after moving to the country with his parents at 19 years old.
He stayed in New Zealand for five years after working as a presenter of music programme Shazam! and at Radio Hauraki in Auckland. In 1984, he hosted New Zealand music awards.
In 1985, Schofield was offered a job at the BBC as the host of a children's television show Gordan the Gopher.
At the BBC Schofield met his wife, Stephanie Lowe, who worked as a production assistant.
Following the announcement, the public posted to social media to show their support.
"Omg him grabbing hollys arm at the end u can tell how much this means to him. awww phil well done for coming out and your so lucky to have such an amazing wife an family who support you after having such a loving marriage an children," said one person.
Another said they were in tears while watching the interview.
"You were so brave and at last you can be the person you want to be. Outside of your family so many love and support you in the public too, you'll never be alone."
But some have felt sorry for his wife.
"I admire him for coming out so publicly, but my heart breaks for his wife. Although she is obviously being supportive, she can’t just fall out of love with him, this can’t be easy for her bless her xx."
