Phillip Schofield’s boxed wine brand pulls the plug on his plonk amid This Morning scandal
PHILLIP Schofield suffered sour grapes after the firm behind his wine brand pulled the plug yesterday.
When in Rome joined forces with the star in 2020 to launch two new boxed wines, sold exclusively in Waitrose stores and Waitrose Cellar.
But last night the company had removed all listings of his product from their website.
A simple message told shoppers there are “no products in this collection”.
The move came as the presenter quit This Morning and ITV after admitting to lying about his relationship with a young runner he first befriended at 15.
Schofield’s two premium Italian wines – launched to much fanfare – were a white tipple made from the Falanghina grape and a red Nero di Troia, both sourced from independent Italian vineyards.
He chose the classic Italian Falanghina produced by wine cooperative Antica Hirpinia from their vineyards just outside Taurasi, in the Campanian region of South West Italy.
When in Rome chief executive and co-founder, Rob Malin, proudly said at the time: “Having someone like Phillip on board to support the box wine category, demonstrates the size of the opportunity we have in the market to educate consumers that there is another way to enjoy high quality wine that doesn’t have to be bought in a bottle.”
And a beaming Schofield said in happier times: “I have really enjoyed the process of sourcing, selecting and now sharing these wines with everyone.
“I don’t think there is anything I have been so passionate about, so I hope everyone enjoys them as much as I do.”
Anne Jones, Waitrose Partner and category manager, drinks, alspo chipped in: “It will be wonderful to see how Phillip’s personal involvement will bring this delicious wine format to a new audience.
“We’re excited to see how these new wines will be enjoyed in the coming months!”
When in Rome and Waitrose were both yesterday approached for comment by The Sun.