Phillip Schofield's young studio runner ex to 'have his say' in probe

2023-06-21

Phillip Schofield’s young studio runner ex to ‘have his say’ in probe into ITV scandal

The This Morning runner will be questioned by barrister Jane Mulcahy KC
READ MORE: Phillip Schofield breaks cover for the first time in a month

Phillip Schofield’s younger ex-partner will ‘have his say’ as part of ITV’s external investigation into the scandal, it can be revealed.

The This Morning runner, who was in a relationship with the then married star, will be questioned about the relationship by barrister Jane Mulcahy KC, who is conducting the inquiry.

ITV’s chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall told MPs last week that the young man, who is now in his twenties, was quizzed 12 times by bosses looking into rumours of the relationship.

But sources close to the man say he was never actually asked about it – and predict that the upcoming inquiry will finally give him a chance to give his side of the story.

One source said: ‘ITV have kept in touch with the man and there will be a very thorough investigation, where many people close to the situation will be asked questions.

The This Morning runner (middle with Holly and Phil), who was in a relationship with the then married star, will be questioned about the relationship by barrister Jane Mulcahy KC

Phillip Schofield has broken cover for the first time in a month since his devastating This Morning scandal

‘It will be his chance to have his say. It could most definitely lead to some difficult reading for ITV’s bosses if it turns out that he says he wasn’t asked about the relationship 12 times.’

A stony-faced Schofield, 61, was spotted in Cornwall on Monday celebrating his mother Pat’s 87th birthday.

It was the first time he had been seen in public since his candid interview with the BBC’s Amol Rajan two weeks ago, in which he accepted that his TV career had been finished by the scandal.

Bosses at This Morning are desperately trying to save the show, which was formerly described as the ‘jewel in ITV’s crown’.

Discussions are taking place to plan an overhaul of the once-popular programme after ratings slipped to just over 500,000, it can be revealed.

Executives are considering expanding the presenting team and bringing in fresh faces who they hope will attract new viewers.

But attempts to introduce a similar refresh of the top team have proved difficult, with both This Morning’s editor Martin Frizell and ITV’s head of daytime Emma Gormley refusing to quit their jobs.

A stony-faced Schofield, 61, was spotted in Cornwall on Monday celebrating his mother Pat’s 87th birthday

Dressed in a casual blue T-shirt and white linen shorts, clutching car keys, his mobile phone and a vape, Schofield, 61, still looked forlorn but appeared to have had a slight tan and haircut

It was the first time he had been seen in public since his candid interview with the BBC’s Amol Rajan two weeks ago

BBC journalist Amol Rajan interviewing Phillip during one of the extraordinary mea culpas

One source said: ‘Emma is holding meetings telling her staff that she ‘ain’t going nowhere’ and she really seems to mean it. Martin won’t budge either despite many of his staff on This Morning really wanting him to leave.

‘They are desperate to save the show. They don’t want to lose the This Morning brand as it is so long standing and until very recently has been scandal free, but they know there needs to be changes to regain the viewers’ trust again.’

Holly Willoughby, 42, has no plans to quit but will be renegotiating her contract over the summer months.

It is likely she will be paired with Alison Hammond, her close friend.

Last month Schofield was ousted from This Morning and then sensationally quit the broadcaster altogether after admitting he lied to The Mail on Sunday about his affair with the colleague. He said the relationship was ‘unwise but not illegal’.

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