Phillip Schofield, the former host of ITV's This Morning, has made a startling claim about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the network. In a new Channel 5 series titled "Cast Away," the 62-year-old broadcaster asserts that his dismissal was linked to his brother's criminal actions, rather than his own admitted affair with a younger colleague.
Schofield, who began his career as a bookings clerk for BBC Radio at age 17, left This Morning in May 2023 amid speculation about his deteriorating relationship with co-host Holly Willoughby. Six days later, he confessed to an affair with a young assistant on the program, a revelation that sent shockwaves through the media industry.
In the final episode of "Cast Away," set to air on October 3, 2024, Schofield expresses anger over his departure from This Morning. He claims, "I wasn't fired from This Morning when I admitted lying, it was before, because of someone I used to call 'brother'." This statement refers to his brother Timothy, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexually abusing a child.
The series, which began airing on October 1, 2024, features Schofield marooned on a desert island, reflecting on his life and career. In a symbolic gesture, viewers will see him burn the names of people he considers "toxic" on a bonfire. This act of catharsis comes after a tumultuous period in Schofield's life, which saw him come out as gay in February 2020 and subsequently face the collapse of his long-standing television career.
Schofield, who has hosted numerous popular shows including "Going Live!" and "Dancing on Ice," suggests that homophobia played a role in the public reaction to his affair. He argues that if his much younger lover had been female, he might have received "a pat on the back" instead of widespread condemnation.
ITV sources, however, present a different perspective on Schofield's departure. They claim that the decision to remove him from This Morning was due to negative publicity and a noticeable deterioration in his on-screen relationship with Willoughby. The network's plans to retain Schofield for other shows, including "Dancing on Ice," were reportedly abandoned following his admission of lying about the affair.
Throughout his career, Schofield has been involved in various charitable causes, including serving as a patron for Kidscape, a charity working to prevent bullying and child sexual abuse. He has also supported the Shooting Star Children's Hospices and participated in the Text Santa appeal.
As the "Cast Away" series concludes, viewers will witness Schofield's raw emotions as he strips naked and runs into the sea, perhaps symbolizing a desire for rebirth or cleansing. This dramatic gesture reflects the profound impact recent events have had on the once-beloved presenter, who received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Plymouth University in 2011 and has won multiple National Television Awards.
The controversy surrounding Phillip Schofield serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of fame and the complex interplay between personal actions, public perception, and media scrutiny in the entertainment industry.
"I agreed to say that I'd resigned because it would be neater for everybody. I was always open and honest with everyone at work about what was happening with my brother."
As this chapter in Schofield's life unfolds, it remains to be seen how his career and public image will evolve in the aftermath of these revelations.