The presenter who is best known for This Morninghas today revealed he is gay. After sharing the news on his social media accounts, Phillip went on to discuss it on This Morning with co-presenter Holly Willoughby.
The 57-year-old went on to thank his wife, Steph of almost 27 years and his daughters for their support.
During the interview, a very brave Phillip shared how he is feeling about the news being out.
He said: "It's funny, because everyone I've spoken to, you, have all been so supportive, loving and caring, and my entire family, to a person, have grabbed us and said, 'It's OK, it's OK. We love you, we're proud of you.'
"Every person I tell it gets a little lighter and a little lighter.
"I'm really very aware that Steph and the girls are at home watching this, and we're all together.
"We spent a lot of time together and they've been supporting us as we got to this moment.
"I feel a little lighter but I'm very aware there is no question it causes pain and upset.
"We've never had any secrets."
Asked how Steph is coping, he said: "It's tough. We've gone through this together. I have to deal with this for quite some time.
"I can't wait in any statement what I feel.
"She is amazing, she is incredible. There is no one in my life who would have supported me in the way she has supported me."
Holly said some viewers may be questioning why he has decided to come out now.
"There's no question that it has in recent times, consumed my head. And has become an issue in my head. So I got to the stage where I thought, 'We sit here every day and some amazingly brave person is over here and I'm thinking 'You're so brave, you're so brave.'
"And I'm thinking, 'I have to be that person, I have to be that person. All you can be is honest with yourself.
"I was getting to the point where I didn't like myself. So when is the right time?
"We always say to talk to someone and believe me, I have and it has helped a lot. It's brought me back. Talking to people does bring you back and in some cases talking to people saves you. And you have to discuss it, with my friends, with my family, with my wife.
"You have to talk it through. It's absolutely my decision. It was something I knew I had to do.
"I don't know what the world will be like now, I don't know how this will be taken and what people will think.
"I'm very conscious about the hurt.
"My overriding emotion is guilt. But I will sit here and say I am proud of myself today."
Phil then broke down in tears while talking about his daughters.
He added: "I wasn't easy [telling my daughters]. But they are so amazing in their love and support. They jumped up and gave me a hug, a big hug, a long hug. They hugged Steph and said, 'It's OK, this is fine.'
"We will always be a family. We'll always be that.
"My mum has been on the phone all morning, 'Hope you're OK.' I told her and she said, 'OK, I don't care.' And that's the same with everyone."
Holly said she will be sat by his side "whatever happens" in the future, and the crew then gave him a round of applause, before fellow This Morning presenters Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes joined the pair in the studio.
Speaking to the crew, he said: "I'm very proud of this unbelievable team, you are all amazing and I love you very much."
Celebrities react to the news
Celebrities have rallied around to support Phillip after the news broke, sharing their support on social media.