Phillip continued: “We talked the whole thing through.
“There were no secrets, there have never been any secrets. What I knew, she knew.”
But, in a new statement, the small screen star apologised for what had happened.
He said: “I am painfully conscious that I have lied to my employers at ITV, to my colleagues and friends, to my agents, to the media and therefore the public and most importantly of all to my family.
“I am so very, very sorry, as I am for having been unfaithful to my wife.
“… I will reflect on my very bad judgement in both participating in the relationship and then lying about it.”
Phillip and Stephanie married after meeting while he was working in children’s television and she was a BBC production assistant.
They share two daughters: Ruby, 27, and Molly, 29.
In February 2020, the presenter told his 2.9 million Instagram followers about his sexuality, saying Steph had “been incredible”.
He wrote: “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.”
Steph also issued a statement at the time, stating: “I love Phillip, as much today as I ever have, and always will.”