You probably remember seeing Phillip Schofield’s face plastered all over the front pages of magazines and newspapers with some pretty savage headlines. Amazingly, the big reveal of Schofield’s affair actually dates back to May 2023. This was when the presenter stepped down from This Morning and ITV and his move was quickly followed by the explosive news that he had had an affair with a colleague who he had met while the young man was still underage.
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The drama that has followed these revelations has been extensive, with an investigation launched by ITV into whether Schofield’s affair - though it only started when the young man was of age - counted as ‘grooming’. The investigation may not have been as thorough as ITV led the public to believe, and now there’s a new update. Here’s what’s happened with the investigation so far, and when we can expect to get answers.
The investigation so far
At the time, Schofield called his affair with the young runner ‘unwise, but not illegal’. ITV brought in barrister Jane Mulcahy KC to probe the scandal, and so far Schofield has reportedly been very cooperative. A source, quoted by The Sun, said:
He has fully co-operated with the investigation and communicated with the barrister.
Indeed, from the beginning, Schofield has expressed his regret at having lied to his friends, colleagues and family members. Interestingly, his wife Stephanie Lowe has stuck by his side throughout this affair. Schofield already came out as gay in 2020, and Lowe - to whom he is still technically married - has remained a loyal friend to her husband with whom she has two adult daughters.
When we can expect answers
ITV has been trying to move on from the scandal, with what seems like a new presenter suggested as a replacement every week. Cat Deeley and Rylan Clark have been among the hosts trialled after Holly Willoughby quit the show following an alleged kidnap plot.
As for the outcome of the investigation, the same source told The Sun:
Bosses are keen to publish her findings so staff can put a difficult year behind them. However, if Jane finishes her review this side of Christmas, that would be very quick.
ITV, however, have reported that Ms Mulcahy expects the probe to be completed ‘later this year’. As we approach the last few days of November, this deadline is fast approaching. When the findings are released Schofield will undoubtedly, once again, face the music. But if it does happen before Christmas, he will have his long-term ally by his side, as Lowe is reportedly going to spend the festive season with the presenter.
Read more:
⋙ Phillip Schofield: Here's what we know about his unconventional marriage to Stephanie Lowe
⋙ Phillip Schofield: Stephen Mulhern is in talks to replace him
⋙ ITV unveils new policy in hopes of avoiding another scandal like Phillip Schofield's
Sources used:
The Sun: SCHOFE PROBE DELAY Findings of ITV probe into Phillip Schofield scandal ‘unlikely’ to be published this year
The Sun: SCHOFE PROBE New twist in Phillip Schofield scandal as This Morning’s Eamonn Holmes has NOT been quizzed
Mirror: Phillip Schofield set to ‘spend Christmas with ex-wife Stephanie’ after ITV axe
