Amanda Holden glum as Phillip Schofield comes out as gay

Amanda Holden was glued to her phone on Friday morning as she emerged in Manchester, shortly after former This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield came out as gay.

The presenter, understood to be embroiled in a bitter feud with Schofield, looked stony-faced while checking her screen after finishing work on her daily Heart radio breakfast show.

Amanda, 48, looked relaxed in a blue sweater and boot cut jeans as she made hr way out of a local studio.

Shock: Amanda Holden was glued to her phone on Friday morning as she emerged in Manchester, shortly after former This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield came out as gay

The presenter added to her look with a wool lilac winter coat, while chunky trainers rounded things off.

Amanda, who is presenting her daily show from Manchester while filming Britain’s Got Talent, looked completely preoccupied with her screen as her former colleague publicly spoke about his sexual orientation.

The TV personality first worked with Schofield after stepping into Holly’s shoes when the This Morning star took a year off the show to have her third baby in 2014.

The statement in full: The presenter stunned fans with his frank admission on Friday morning

Preoccupied: The presenter, understood to be embroiled in a bitter feud with Schofield, looked stony-faced while checking her screen after finishing work on her daily Heart radio breakfast show

Casual: Amanda, 48, looked relaxed in a blue sweater and boot cut jeans as she made hr way out of a local studio

But reports have long been rife about troubles between the TV hosts, with Amanda reportedly lobbying ITV executives after Schofield allegedly pushed for Rochelle Humes to take the job.

A former daytime TV executive told The Sun: ‘Phillip actively campaigned for Rochelle, 30, to get the job despite Amanda being more experienced – and having been told privately she’d got the gig.’

An ITV spokesperson later insisted that Rochelle’s casting was a decision made by producers, telling MailOnline: ‘Presenter line ups on This Morning change regularly and final decisions on these line ups are made by producers and not the presenters.

‘Phillip Schofield is a much loved broadcaster and part of the ITV family. He is a consummate professional and held in high regard at ITV. Amanda is also held in high regard as a judge on one of our biggest shows.’

Finishing touches: The presenter added to her look with a wool lilac winter coat, while chunky trainers rounded things off

Speaking on Friday morning, Schofield revealed he was ‘consumed’ by a secret battle with his sexuality for years before finally making the decision to come out as gay following a series of ‘heartbreaking’ conversations with his family.

In an emotional statement, shared with millions of Instagram followers, the veteran star, 57, admitted he had suffered ‘dark moments, pain and confusion’ as he gradually came to terms with his sexual orientation.

But he revealed the support of his ‘incredible’ family – wife of 27 years Stephanie and their two children – convinced him to be open and honest about his feelings.

Open and honest: Schofield has revealed he was ‘consumed’ by a secret battle with his sexuality for years before finally making the decision to come out as gay on Friday morning

‘I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay’: Phillip’s statement in full

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. 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.

My inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so very much for the better. Today, quite rightly, being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud. Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family.

Steph has been incredible – I love her so very much. 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 entire 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 us.

My friends are the best, especially Holly, who has been so kind and wise – and who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder. At ITV, I couldn’t hope to work with more wonderful, supportive teams.

Every day on This Morning, I sit in awe of those we meet who have been brave and open in confronting their truth – so now it’s my turn to share mine. This will probably all come as something and I understand, but only by facing this, by being honest, can I hope to find peace in my mind and a way forward. Please be kind, especially to my family. Phillip’.

He wrote: ‘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. 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.

‘My inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so very much for the better. Today, quite rightly, being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud. Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family.’

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