Phillip Schofield finally spoke out about his affair with a younger colleague in his first interview since he admitted he cheated on his wife Stephanie.
The 61-year-old explained that he ‘didn’t lie to protect my career’ but to protect the younger man he had a relationship with.
“I did not, I did not (groom him). There are accusations of all sorts of things. It never came across that way (an abuse of power) because we’d become mates. I don’t know about that,” he said.
Schofield continued: “But of course I understand that there will be a massive judgment, but bearing in mind, I have never exercised that anywhere else. I assume somebody, somewhere, assumed something was going on, correctly, and didn’t say anything.”
The former ITV presenter then referenced a photo of the man he had an affair with at a drama school that he had visited.
Speaking to The Sun, he said he felt ‘massive guilt’ as he apologized to his past lover.
“I’m sorry. And I will forever be sorry. I will die sorry. I am so deeply mortified,” he added.
Schofield also insisted that his 6-month relationship with the man started when the runner was 20.
He also explained that his relationship with his younger colleague deepened after a ‘consensual moment’ in his dressing room.
The presenter also said that their affair was not a relationship but revealed that he was ‘struggling’ with his s*xuality at that time.
Schofield presented his final episode of This Morning on May 18. He apologized to Holly Willoughby for breaking up their friendship and TV partnership as he confirmed they no longer speak.
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I think regarding Philip Schofield yes he should have told the truth when asked but he didn’t for reasons only known to him .. but on saying that I don’t see why he should have to lose his job and his career over this, the man in question was more than old enough to give consent to a relationship he obviously wanted as it went on for 6 months .. and j think it is bad that a man that has given ITV so much should just be gone without so much as a leaving party they should have supported him through this as for Holly I can understand why she is do incredibly hurt over Philip not telling her the truth but then maybe he felt like he was protecting her from been in the middle .. they seemed to have a strong relationship and friendship which just doesn’t get thrown to one side .. I am not saying she should forgive him for lying to her but maybe try to understand what he was doing as a friend and try yo support him in what way she can or was there friendship just for the camera .. there are no easy answers and lots of hurt people .. but ITV just to abandon the people that have given you so much is not acceptable .. none of us are perfect we can all make mistakes maybe we need to take a long hard look in the mirror before we start calling others
Well said I think it’s time to leave this alone they were two consenting adults. Just because he’s on TV doesn’t mean his personal life should be shared with the world
I feel for Phil as in my eyes it was a private situation why should he have to explain himself too itv it’s aweful what the poor man is going through.its at whitch hunt
I also think I can’t understand why he’s lost his job although he was getting too big for his boots on the prog but I find astonishing to think that there have not been heterosexuals who have had affairs with colleagues s the whole thing is just too big