“You never know what is going on in someone’s head when they you think they are leading the perfect life. And I was. But then it was there.
“I was confused by what it was. I thought maybe I was bisexual.
“But over time I realised and started coming to terms with it.
“And I realised I had to be honest with myself.”
His confession followed an Instagram message in which he revealed he was “consumed” with “coming to terms with the fact that I’m gay”.
While the news would devastate most marriages, Phil credits Steph as his closest ally throughout his battle. And he says there was never a dramatic showdown over his sexuality.
Phillip said: “Steph is my closest confidante. She’s been amazing. I have no secrets from Steph. We have been very truthful and honest. She has known for a while. When you live with someone you know these things don’t you?
“We sat down and we talked and then she left me to have space.
“It has been a process, we started having discussions and it was gradual.
“There is no question she is a truly remarkable person — the kindest, sweetest soul I could have possibly met.”
Despite her understanding he admits his struggle has been painful for his loyal wife. Phil added: “That is what makes this so hard. Knowing you are hurting the perfect person.
Steph stayed away as Phil spoke movingly in the This Morning studio on Friday.
Instead she and the couple’s daughters Molly, 26, and Ruby, 24, watched from the family home in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
Phil admits it is too early to say if they will stay married.
He said: “It has taken me a long time to get here, I am not rushing to get to any other place. We will always be a family. That is the one definite, constant, absolute positive thing. And where the wind blows us I don’t know.”
The TV favourite, who also hosts ITV’s Dancing on Ice, hailed the way his girls rallied around him.
Yesterday Molly posted an Instagram image of the family and wrote: “Love you always, so proud of you.”
He told The Sun on Sunday: “Our daughters have always been a credit to us. And I am so proud of them. When you test them to this degree you wonder. But they have been amazing.
'I still love Steph as much as when we first met. More probably,' Phil says
'I still love Steph as much as when we first met. More probably,' Phil says
“Even before we told them, they picked up that something was wrong. That I had been very low. The whole family picked up on it.” Phil declined to comment on whether he is in a relationship with a man, or has been in the past.
He added: “I understand that people will ask that question. It is one I’d ask myself.
“But Steph and I have agreed to keep our private life private. I hope people understand.”
I don't think it's not for us to assume Steph did not know or permit him to explore his bi side, perhaps they did together and it became obvious to them both it was more than him being bisexual.
His daughters supporting him publicly does not fit the narrative of sordid affairs being uncovered and suggests that as a family they have had time to work through this with the public announcement being the final step.