Phillip Schofield ‘buys £2m London pad close to famous pals’ amid divorce

Phillip Schofield has reportedly bought himself a nice £2 million home in London as he prepares to divorce his wife Stephanie Lowe.

Following reports that they’re going to officially divorce and share his £9m fortune, the 58-year-old is said to have picked up a large semi-detached property in Chiswick, close to his famous friends.

In pictures obtained by MailOnline, Phil is seen leaving his new pad alongside best friend and co-presenter Holly Willoughby.

Holly turned up on her bike, ready to get some exercise in a pair of black leggings and a grey Levi’s jumper as she was joined by Phil outside his front gates.

He opted for black shorts and a white Nike T-shirt and of course, they both wore helmets and sunglasses to protect themselves during their bike ride.

Phil’s new home is also close to fellow ITV star Dec Donnelly’s home as well as the house Ant McPartlin shared with his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong.

Neighbours told the site that Phil had moved in two weeks ago and that they’d seen him around the property regularly ever since.

Phillip is also said to have been frequenting pubs along the River Thames, just a short distance from his new home.

One neighbour said: “It’s caused quite a stir since he’s moved in and got people very excited. He seems like a very nice man and quite normal. You see him walking or cycling mainly and he smiles every time he goes past.”

Another added: “There’s quite a few famous people already living around here so Phillip Schofield moving in is not a big deal. A lot of people have been talking about it, but nobody bothers him. He’s a lovely bloke and I’m sure he’ll enjoy living in our community.”

Phillip moved out of the family home earlier this year after coming out as gay with the support of his wife and their two daughters, Molly and Ruby.

It was reported this week that Phil and Steph were going to divorce after nearly 27 years of marriage and share his £9m fortune equally.

A source told The Sun : “Phillip and Steph have had a lot of hard, painful conversations over the past ten months but remain as tight and devoted to one another as ever.

“She has been so supportive, and he won’t skip off into the sunset now and abandon her. At the same time, he has no desire to become embroiled in a bitter and costly divorce battle.

“Phillip is in no hurry to meet someone new, but obviously the D word has now been mooted, albeit in very loose and casual terms. His earning power is at an all-time high, and Steph is entitled to half.”

Mirror Online has contacted Phillip’s representatives or comment.