Phillip Schofield has fuelled specualtion he is planning a comeback to our screens, after being photographed with Declan Donelly. The former This Morning host and the Saturday Night Takeaway star enjoyed a four-hour dinner in a London restaurant close to both of their homes.
This is the first time Phillip has been photographed or associated with a member of the ITV “family” since he stepped down in disgrace last May over an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger member of staff. Declan is one of the biggest stars on the channel as one half of Ant and Dec.
Other than an interview with the BBC, the 62-year-old has been off screens since he admitted to the liaison, which not only cost him his job, but also led to him leaving his family home. The revelation also completely destroyed his friendship with former co-host Holly Willoughby.
Relations had already been strained between the pair following the “queue-gate” incident in which they were seen to circumvent the crowds of people waiting to see the lying in state of the late Queen Elizabeth. In the images obtained by The Sun, Dec was seen to be joined by his wife Ali Astall while Phil took along his pet puppy for the evening.
While he hasn’t been seen with any of his former colleagues until now, a source claimed to the publication that he has been in touch with them. “They have all been rallying around him and their support, especially from Dec who is such a good friend, has really helped Phil.
“Some TV executives have been in touch with Phil about a possible return and his friends have told him he should consider it…
“Whether he will make a comeback — whether it’s on TV or radio — is still undecided but the offers are there if he wants to pursue them. His friends have told him they will support him all the way,” they said.
He and Dec were formerly signed to the same agency YMU, where Phillip’s daughter Molly was also employed.
In March this year the first rumbles of a comeback were alluded to as it was reported that he had seemingly enlisted her as his new publicist.
After 35 years with the group, Phil was dropped around the same time he exited This Morning.
According to Molly’s LinkedIn, she departed the company in January last year – which was months before he was embroiled in his quitting drama.
She worked at the organisation, which represents thousands of talented individuals in the media industry, for more than eight years.
Her updated online CV now curiously states that she is having a “career transition”.
Source link
