Fern Britton says she can relate to Phillip Schofield’s wife Stephanie after host came out as gay

Fern Britton has revealed that she can relate to Phillip Schofield’s wife since the star came out as gay.  

The presenter, 62, has praised her former This Morning co-host for his bravery in coming out earlier this year in February, but also admitted her thoughts are with his estranged wife, Stephanie.  

Phillip, 58, released a statement earlier this year to reveal his sexuality after discussing it behind closed doors with his family.  

He has been married to Stephanie since 1993 and the couple have two daughters together – Molly, 27, and Ruby, 24.  

Discussing her reaction to Phil coming out, Fern told talkRADIO: ‘We haven’t seen each other for a very long time or spoken for a while. I’m glad for him. It’s none of my business. 

‘He’s getting on really, so, good. It’s terrible that people have to hide who they are.’ 

Turning her attention to how Stephanie would be feeling now, Fern continued:  ‘I feel for his wife. 

‘Steph’s a lovely girl and, you know, that’s difficult – as I’ve been talking about difficult transitions and processing stuff for me, it will be the same for her.’

The TV personality has recently split with her chef husband of 20 years, Phil Vickery, 59.    

Fern also spoke about learning to be single during the coronavirus lockdown. 

She said: ‘We separated at the beginning of the year and fortunately it’s all smooth. We just came to the end of the road, you know, which is sad. 

‘So, I’ve been adjusting to life as just me to think about, and my two daughters happen to be here because they got stuck in lockdown, happily for me.

‘It’s a time for me to really adjust my existence, which on the one hand is really quite exciting, but you’ve also got to process it for a while.’