Is it time for phil to divorce?

It’s been more than three years since This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield came out as gay, after being married to wife Stephanie Lowe for 27 years. The couple have yet to formally divorce, but could now be the moment?

A source close to the ITV star tells Woman’s Own that ‘we might see Phil start proceedings sooner rather than later’, adding, ‘Initially, they wanted to keep the status quo and be there for the girls. But now, they’ve proved they’re doing fine separately. Drawing a line under his marriage to Steph would offer Phil the chance to have a fresh start after a tricky few months for him.’

NO SHOWDOWN

However, the couple – who remain a big part of each other’s lives – are likely to divorce quietly. Our source reveals, ‘They will do it on the down-low. There will be no big courtroom showdown, it will be as friendly as their initial separation. They’ll take their time making arrangements. It will be a formality, but a significant one that brings them closure and signals that it’s the end of that chapter of their lives.’

It was an emotional February morning when Phillip, 61, sat alongside his This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby, 42, to share the news he had spent the past few years ‘coming to terms with the fact that I am gay’. Phil praised Steph’s support, as well as lauding their two girls – Molly, 29, and Ruby, 27 – for being amazing. ‘Steph has been incredible – I love her so very much,’ he revealed. ‘She is the kindest soul I have ever met. My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging words of comfort. Both mine and Steph’s families have stunned me with their love, instant acceptance and support. Of course, they are worried about Steph, but I know they will scoop us both up.’

While Phil remained in the family home during lockdown, he purchased his own bachelor pad later that year. During his chat with Holly, he insisted that there was no one else on the scene. He explained, ‘No, I don’t think so. No, I’m