Phillip Schofield was asked to give a talk at his lover’s school (Picture: Shutterstock)
Phillip Schofield met the younger colleague with whom he admitted to having an affair when the star’s lover was just 15 years old, a report revealed.
The ex-This Morning presenter, 61, was supposedly called on by his future colleague’s relatives to give a talk at his school during his teenage years.
Following their first encounter, the youngster allegedly asked the TV presenter for a job which ultimately led to an interview and a position as an ITV production assistant once he turned 18.
According to the MailOnline, their affair began shortly after while Phillip was in his early 50s and married to his wife Stephanie Lowe.
The revelations came after the star’s former co-host Holly Willoughby released a statement sharing her thoughts on the recent news.
Explaining that her long-term co-worker previously denied accusations of an affair with his junior colleague, the 42-year-old expressed her deep ‘hurt’ at being lied to.
The star was a presenter on This Morning (Picture: Shutterstock)
He admitted to having an affair with a younger colleague (Picture: Shutterstock)
She said: ‘When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It’s been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie.’
Ahead of his admission to the affair, Phillip announced he was leaving the popular ITV breakfast show and posted words of his own explaining his exit.
He shared: ‘I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
His co-star revealed her upset at being lied to over the affair (Picture: ITV)
He reportedly met his ‘lover’ in his late 40s (Picture: Shutterstock)
‘Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.
‘I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.’
The Mail On Sunday claimed the star was forced to address the allegations and confess to his affair after his lover told lawyers about their supposed relationship.
On Friday Phillip explained: ‘I did have a consensual on-off relationship with a younger male colleague at This Morning.
‘Contrary to speculation, whilst I met the man when he was a teenager and was asked to help him to get into television, it was only after he started to work on the show that it became more than just a friendship.
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‘That relationship was unwise, but not illegal. It is now over.’
Metro.co.uk contacted Phillip for comment.
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He was called on to give a talk to school children.
