Phillip Schofield’s extensive tenure at ITV was allegedly disregarded in a brief segment during the National Television Awards, according to reports. A critic highlighted that the retrospective video omitted Schofield’s significant 30-year involvement with ITV, despite featuring his former on-screen partner, Holly Willoughby.
The ex-This Morning host made a sudden departure from the flagship ITV program in May 2023 following his admission of an “imprudent but lawful” relationship with a younger male colleague, leading him to take a step back from the public eye.
Schofield, who also co-hosted Dancing on Ice with Willoughby, mentioned in his resignation statement that the “consensual on-off relationship” had come to an end.
Despite a brief appearance on Channel 5’s Cast Away in 2024, Schofield has mostly maintained a low profile since the controversy. Recent commentary suggested that his illustrious 30-year ITV career was seemingly erased after being excluded from a nostalgic montage at the National Television Awards.
In a piece by Ephraim Hardcastle in the Daily Mail, it was noted that Schofield’s two-decade ITV career was overlooked during the awards ceremony, with no mention of him in a tribute to ITV’s stars spanning 70 years.
Schofield initially signed an exclusive contract with ITV in 1993, gaining fame for his role on This Morning from 2002 to 2023 and intermittent stints on Dancing On Ice from 2006 to 2023 before his resignation amidst the scandal.
In a statement to the Daily Mail during the controversy, Schofield admitted to assisting the man in question in pursuing a television career, apologizing for deceiving his colleagues, bosses, and the public. ITV expressed deep disappointment with his actions, severing ties with him following the revelations.
ITV’s decision to end Dancing on Ice earlier this year marked the conclusion of Willoughby’s 21-year tenure as an ITV presenter, which began in 2004 on CITV’s Ministry of Mayhem. Her departure from You Bet!, co-hosted with Stephen Mulhern, was reportedly due to conflicts with her Netflix show, Celebrity Bear Hunt, featuring Bear Grylls.
An insider hinted at potential future opportunities for Willoughby at ITV, emphasizing her popularity with viewers and the network’s positive history with her.
The Mirror has reached out to ITV for a response.