Phillip Schofield considered suicide over gay affair that blew up his career

Phillip Schofield, once a dominant figure on daytime television and a key star on ITV, has returned to the screen with a new programme after a tumultuous departure from his previous role. The former host of This Morning is now starring in Channel 5’s Phillip Schofield: Cast Away, marking his television comeback following a period of intense public scrutiny and personal reflection.

Schofield, 62, left ITV in May 2023, after admitting to an affair with a significantly younger male colleague – a relationship he deemed “unwise but not illegal”. His departure from This Morning, a show he had co-hosted since 2009 alongside Holly Willoughby, was followed by a period where Schofield faced substantial media coverage and online vilification.

Phillip Schofield: Cast Away sees the veteran presenter marooned on a tropical island off the coast of Madagascar. The show, spread over three episodes, features Schofield navigating the challenges of island life, from foraging for food to enduring the harsh elements in a makeshift shelter. The first episode aired on Channel 5, providing a raw look at Schofield’s physical and emotional journey.

In one of the more poignant moments of the series, Schofield discusses the depths of his despair following his exit from ITV. Reflecting on this period, he reveals that he came perilously close to suicide. During these dark times, his eldest daughter, Molly, played a crucial role in steering him away from the brink. Schofield recounted her impassioned plea, where she asked him to consider the impact his suicide would have on his family. This emotional intervention was pivotal in helping him step back from the “edge”.

Schofield’s daughters, Molly, 31, and Ruby, 28, have remained steadfastly supportive. He continually expresses gratitude towards them and his wife, Stephanie Lowe, stating that without their support, his outcome might have been drastically different. In the programme, Stephanie shared insights into the familial impact of Schofield’s public announcement and subsequent scandal, pointing out how the media scrutiny affected not just Phillip but their entire family unit.

The show also delves into Schofield’s reflections on his career and personal life. He acknowledged the gravity of his actions regarding the affair, expressing deep regret and labeling the relationship as both “unwise and unprofessional”. Additionally, Schofield touched on the broader societal issue of “cancel culture”, discussing the abrupt end to his career and how it felt like being “cancelled” overnight.

Reflecting on coming out as gay in February 2020 on This Morning, Schofield described the mixed emotional impact this revelation had on his life. He noted that while it was a liberating step for many, for him, it had brought additional anguish due to the subsequent media backlash and personal complications.

Despite the controversies and the public fallout, Schofield’s family, particularly Molly, have articulated their continued pride and support for him. Molly described their journey as a family through these turbulent times, highlighting how these challenges had, paradoxically, brought them closer together.

The series offers an unfiltered glimpse into Schofield’s efforts to rebuild and gain clarity away from the limelight. As he faces the physical hardships on the island, the experience serves as a metaphorical journey towards personal redemption and resilience. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful that this isolating endeavour will help him find a path to recovery and personal growth.

Phillip Schofield: Cast Away is a departure from his previous roles, showcasing a more reflective and vulnerable side of the television personality. The series continues to air on Channel 5,.

Source: Noah Wire Services