From Going Live To This Morning – How Phillip Schofield Became A Beloved TV Fixture

TV's Phillip Schofield announced this morning that he is gay. He posted a statement on his Instagram, saying: ‘With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay' and discussed his coming out on today's This Morning.

As it should be, the vast majority of the response has been positive and supportive. But his coming out has made national news, partly because there is a sense of shared ownership around Phillip Schofield. Whether you watch This Morning every morning, or only catch it when you’re at home, ill on the sofa, you’d be hard pushed to find someone living in the UK who hasn’t watched Phillip - our collective TV dad - at some point.

Where was Phillip Schofield born?

Phillip Schofield was born in Oldham in 1963.

How did Phillip Schofield get into TV?

He grew up in Cornwall and started his career in television working for the BBC aged 17, as ‘bookings clerk and tea boy’ - the youngest member of staff at the whole of the BBC, according to his website.

From the BBC, Schofield moved to New Zealand where he presented a program called Shazam. He then moved back to the UK and presented various children’s television programs including From The Broom Cupboard and Going Live. He also did stage work, performing in a travelling performance of Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat and Dr Doolittle.

He then moved into presenting shows for adults, including Schofield's Quest, Schofield's TV Gold, Ten Ball and the National Lottery.

When did he start presenting This Morning?

He has more recently fronted I’m a Celebrity and Dancing on Ice, and has been the co-host of This Morning since 2002. Holly Willoughby joined as his co-host in 2006.

Who is he married to?

In 1993 Phillip Schofield married Stephanie Lowe, meaning that they have been married for 27 years. In today’s statement Phillip praised his wife, calling her ‘incredible’ and saying that she is ‘the kindest soul I have ever met.’ Lowe also worked at the BBC as a producer.

Does Phillip Schofield have children?

Phillip and Stephanie have two daughters, Molly (26) and Ruby (23) who have also apparently been extremely supportive: ‘My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging words of comfort. Both mine and Steph's entire families have stunned me with their love, instant acceptance and support.’

Phillip Schofield's career in pictures