Phillip Schofield has said he is "coming to terms with the fact I am gay" in a statement on Instagram.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Phillip Schofield said: "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.

Wirral Globe:

"With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.

"This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home. I have been married to Steph for nearly 27 years, and we have two beautiful grown-up daughters, Molly and Ruby. My family have held me so close: they have tried to cheer me up, to smother me with kindness and love, despite their own confusion, Yet still I can't sleep and there have been some very dark moments."

He was given a round of applause by the crew on ITV's This Morning after discussing his post on the TV show.

Eamon Holmes and Ruth Langsford both also gave him a hug.