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ITV deeply disappointed with Philip Schofield over affair 'deception'

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A spokesman for ITV said it was “deeply disappointed” by the “admission of deception” made by broadcaster Philip Schofield after the presenter admitted an affair with a young colleague this morning.

The veteran TV presenter, 61, said their affair began when he was still with his wife Stephanie, adding that he was “very, very sorry” for unfaithful to her.

It comes after announcing he was stepping down from presenting the ITV talk show with “immediate effect” last weekend, while co-presenter Holly Willoughby will remain at the programme.

Scofield, who also co-hosted Dancing on Ice with Willoughby, said he would also withdraw from his last public commitment, presenting the British Soap Awards.

ITV’s statement said the broadcaster felt “deeply disappointed”.

“We are deeply disappointed by the admission of deception made tonight by Philip Schofield,” the spokesman said.

“Our relationships with the people we work with are based on trust.

“Philip gave us assurances which he now admits were untrue and we are feeling deeply let down.

“We accept his resignation from ITV and can therefore confirm that he will not appear on ITV as previously stated.”

The presenter apologized for lying about the relationship in a statement released by the Daily Mail on Friday.

“The first thing I want to say is this: I am deeply sorry for lying to them (the Daily Mail), and to many others, about a relationship I had with someone I worked with this morning, ” They said.

“I had consensual relations with a younger male co-worker this morning.”

He added that “contrary to speculation” the relationship was “not illegal”.

He said: “Contrary to speculation, when I met the guy when he was a teenager and was asked to help him get into television, it was only after he started working on the show that it became more than just a friendship. became.

“That relationship was unwise, but not illegal. It is over now.

He denied that a superintendence had been issued by him or on her behalf regarding the relationship.

“When I decided to come out, I did so entirely for my own good,” he said.

This week, we learned important new information about our client, Philip Schofield. These facts contradict what Philip had previously told YMU, as well as the outside consultants we brought in to support him. As a result, on Thursday we agreed with Philip to part ways with immediate effect.

Mary Bechet, chief executive of YMU Group

“No one ‘forced’ me. Neither I nor anyone else, to my knowledge, has ever issued any injunction, super or otherwise, regarding my relationship with this colleague, he has never Wasn’t fired by or because of me.

“I have not been truthful about the relationship in an effort to protect my former co-worker. But my recent, unrelated, departure from this morning has fueled speculation and raised questions about what was affecting him, so for his Now it is important for me to be honest.

The presenter said: “I am painfully aware that I have lied to my employers at ITV, to my colleagues and friends, to my agents, to the media and therefore to the public, and most importantly to my family.

“I’m very, very sorry, because I am my wife for being unfaithful.”

Talent agency YMU said it has “parted company” with Scofield “effective immediately”.

Marie Becht, Chief Executive of YMU Group, said: “Honesty and integrity are core values ​​throughout YMU’s business, defining everything we do. Talent Management is a relationship based entirely on trust.

“This week, we learned important new information about our client, Philip Schofield.

“These facts contradict what Philip had previously told YMU, as well as the outside consultants we brought in to support us.

“As a result, on Thursday we agreed to part ways with Philippe with immediate effect.”

The revelations come after Scofield faced months of controversy, including reports of a rift with his longtime co-host Willoughby, his brother’s sexual abuse trial and an uproar over his visit to the late queen’s lying state.

Schofield married Stephanie Lowe in 1993 and they have two grown daughters, Ruby and Molly.

After coming out in an emotional on-air chat with Willoughby in February 2020, his wife told The Sun that she supported his “brave move” and would “always” love him.

She also added: “Our family has also been very supportive and will help us move forward.”