Phillip Schofield has been spotted being supported by family as he reunited with his wife and daughters in public after months of lying low.
The former This Morning host, 61, spent 21 years on the show, joined by Holly Willoughby, before he left the role suddenly in May of last year.
He had admitted to lying about an affair with a much younger man who worked as a runner on the show, and apologised to his colleagues who he said were not aware of the relationship, also leaving his other TV projects at the same time.
Aside from a televised interview in the days following the dramatic exit, Phillip – who came out as gay in 2020 – has remained out of the public eye.
He has now broken cover to meet up with family, including his ex wife Stephanie Lowe and his children – and enjoyed their support as he was photographed being embraced by several members.
Phillip and Stephanie share two adult daughters: Molly, 30, and Ruby, 28, and the former TV star remains close with his ex-wife: he said in his emotional interview following his affair reveal that he has an ‘incredibly supportive wife’ and a ‘wonderful marriage.’
A source also told OK! at the time that Stephanie ‘still loves him…whatever Phillip has done behind Steph’s back,’ and that their love is ‘very much there’ even if it is ‘different’ to the love ‘they shared in the beginning of their marriage.’
His daughters, meanwhile, were always said to be ‘staunchly loyal to their dad, despite everything that has gone on,’ according to a source who told the Mail Online: ‘Both Molly and Ruby have seen their father go through hell, they have been at his side as he has lost everything.’
Phil appears to still be incredibly close with his family, as he was photographed embracing several members as they headed out as a group for a day in London, the group publicly sharing their support and affection for the 61-year-old.
The group first went to the BFI in the city centre for a special cast and crew screening of new Mike Leigh film Hard Truths, which Stephanie’s sister, Georgina Lowe, worked on as a producer.
They then headed out to lunch together at The Green Room restaurant on the South Bank, close to the cinema. They reportedly first attempted to eat at the nearby Brasserie Blanc but were turned away as it was full up.
In snaps from the day, the 11-strong group made up of Phil, daughters Molly and Ruby, wife Stephanie and other family members, are dressed casually in coats, hoodies and jeans.
Phil can be seen receiving a hug from multiple people, with everyone appearing to have a grin on their faces, and Phillip appearing relaxed as he was surrounded by close to a dozen loved ones.
It comes after Phil’s former ITV colleague, Lorraine Kelly, twice came out to speak publicly in support of the presenter in recent days.
In an interview with The Times, she said Phil was ‘doing all right and he will be all right, but it’s hard.’
She admitted she was ‘heartbroken’ when the scandal and subsequent fallout happened, saying ‘it’s just a shame for the amazing career that he’s had, for it to end like that.’
Earlier she had told Women & Home Magazine that both Holly and Phil were ‘good people.’
‘I miss them. They’re smashing, they made me laugh a lot and every time I was on This Morning as a guest, they were a delight.’
Holly briefly returned to This Morning after Phillip’s exit, but left soon afterwards after a horrifying alleged kidnap plot emerged – she has since returned to TV duties with Dancing On Ice in 2024.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
