Phillip Schofield looked relaxed and happy as he stepped onto the screen for the first time since the return of Dancing On Ice.
The 61-year-old star stepped down from hosting the show alongside his best friend Holly Willoughby after quitting This Morning in May last year when his “ill-advised but not illegal” affair with a younger colleague came to light.
Earlier this month, DOI returned with 42-year-old Holly at the helm, alongside Phillip's successor Stephen Mulhurn, 46. However, it was reported that the disgraced TV star did not tune in as he was “hurt” by his absence has pain.
During his outing on Thursday, Phillip went to a local store, which he left laughing and grinning, resulting in a rare sighting of the star.
According to The Sun, a source said: “Phil is still hurt by the whole row with Holly and the way it was played out publicly. “He still can't bring himself to watch This Morning, even that Listening to the theme song is deeply triggering.
Phillip Schofield looked relaxed and happy as he stepped onto the screen for the first time since the return of Dancing On Ice
Earlier this month, DOI returned with 42-year-old Holly at the helm, alongside Phillip's successor Stephen Mulhurn, 46. However, it was reported that the disgraced TV star did not tune in as he was “hurt” by his absence has pain
During his outing on Thursday, Phillip went to a local store, which he left laughing and grinning, resulting in a rare sighting of the star
Phillip has been out of the spotlight in recent months since his affair scandal in May, which led to him leaving This Morning after more than 20 years on the show
“He seems unlikely to be keen on Holly's return to television.” Phil wants to move on and live a quiet life away from the spotlight as he tries to rebuild himself.
“He came forward to offer his support when the terrible abduction news broke, but it is understood they have not been in contact since then, so it is unlikely he spoke to Holly before her DOI return.”
Phillip has been out of the spotlight in recent months since his affair scandal in May, which led to him leaving This Morning after more than 20 years on the show.
After much speculation about his personal life, his affair finally became public and he admitted he was “broken and ashamed” but insisted he was not a dog groomer.
He said the affair “never came across as an abuse of power” because he and his mistress were “friends.” He told The Sun: “At one point in my 41-year career I was unprofessional. “There is no excuse. Nobody did anything wrong except me.'
In his first interview since leaving the station and This Morning, the 61-year-old presenter said: “I didn't do it, I didn't do it.” [groom him].
“There are accusations of all sorts of things.” It never came across that way because we had become friends. I don't know anything about that. But of course I understand that there will be a massive judgment, but with that in mind I never took advantage of it.”
At the time, Phillip apologized several times, including to his 14-year-old co-host Holly Willoughby and his 30-year-old wife Stephanie Lowe.
Holly and Phil are pictured hosting the show last year. Holly co-hosted the show with Phillip from its inception in 2006 until 2011
After much speculation about his personal life, his affair finally became public and he admitted he was “broken and ashamed” but insisted he was not a dog groomer
Phillip looked reserved as he left the store after the show's comeback
He showed his penchant for luxury by wearing a Moncler jacket during the outing
But he said his “biggest apology” for the fallout from the affair was to his former lover. He said: “It has brought the greatest misery into his completely innocent life, his completely innocent family, his completely innocent friends…”
“It has caused them the greatest distress.” I am deeply sorry and apologize to him because I should have known better. I should have acted the way I always acted. I should not have done it.
'I'm sorry. And I will forever be sorry. I'm sorry I'm going to die. I am deeply ashamed.'
Following the scandal, he also resigned from Dancing On Ice, where he hosted from 2006 to 2014 before appearing again in 2018 until his departure last year.
He giggled loudly as he left the building
Phillip wasn't worried at all as he walked out of the building with his groceries in hand
After much speculation about his successor, Stephen was announced earlier this month, with viewers praising the Catchphrase host for his debut appearance as a regular co-host alongside Holly at the start of the 2024 series.
Opening the much-talked-about show, Holly told ITV viewers: “We're gone!”, before urging fans to give their new co-host a warm welcome, adding: “And we can give Stephen Mulhern a warm welcome too Welcome!”
Fans of the series took to social media to praise the couple, with many praising Stephen for bringing a “fresh energy” and adding “real fun” to the episode.
One person wrote on Twitter: “Enjoyed Stephen Mulhern hosting #DancingOnIce alongside Holly. 'Brought some fresh energy to the show!'
The star was dressed casually in jeans and Converse, paired with a padded jacket as he left the local store