This Morning ‘crisis talks’ over Philip Schofield’s return
ITV have hit back at claims they are in “crisis talks” over the return of Phillip Schofield to the ITV daytime programme.
The presenter has been taking a break from the show recently, as his brother was tried in court after being accused of abusing teen boys.
Phillip, 61, went missing from the programme last month, with his co-presenter Holly Willoughby instead joined by Alison Hammond.
The presenter took time out after his brother’s sex case trial, which saw Timothy, 54, convicted of 11 sexual offences involving a child over three years from October 2016, including two of sexual activity.
In the wake of the ruling, Phillip hit out in a statement: “If any crime had ever been confessed to me, I would have acted immediately. As far as I’m concerned, I no longer have a brother.”
However, the star is yet to make a return to the ITV show, with the Easter holidays causing yet another presenter schedule shake-up.
Phillip is not tipped to make a comeback until April 17.
However, after ITV chiefs had a chance to test out a range of hosts in his absence, bosses are said to have suggested more time off, according to The Mirror.
Plans are said to have been met by backlash from Phil’s management at the talent agency YMU.
A source told the publication: “YMU’s view was the sooner Phillip was back the better.
“But ITV offered him the chance to have more time off. They felt a longer break would benefit him as he has been in bits at points over the past few weeks.
“They were also keen to see how audiences responded to other presenters.”
The source went on to add that ITV felt it was a “good opportunity” to test out new faces, and “experiment” with line-ups.
However, an ITV spokesperson has since hit back: “This is untrue. Phil is due to return after the Easter holidays.”
It comes after Holly, 41, and Phil were replaced this week for the Easter Break, as the pair took some time off.
Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson are set to reunite on the screens next week, after Phillip went absent from the show on March 23.
He is currently expected to be back on the sofa with Holly after their Easter break on Monday April 17.
A TV insider told The Sun: “Phillip is on pre-planned leave and is due to return after the Easter holidays.”
He was replaced by Alison Hammond for two shows last week, while Joel Dommett also stepped in for two programmes.
Alison and Dermot O’Leary have covered the show all this week.
Phillip’s brother Timothy Schofield, 54, carried out a string of sexual offences – the most serious involving an alleged sex act with a boy.
The abuse spanned a three-year period, during which time the victim was a teenager.
Schofield was yesterday convicted of three counts of causing a child to watch sexual activity and three of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
The civilian police officer was also found guilty of three counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and two of sexual activity with a child after five hours deliberation.
TV presenter Phillip said in a statement following the verdict: “My overwhelming concern is and has always been for the wellbeing of the victim and his family. I hope that their privacy will now be respected.
“If any crime had ever been confessed to me by my brother, I would have acted immediately to protect the victim and their family.
“These are despicable crimes, and I welcome the guilty verdicts.”