Phillip Schofield: ‘It was consensual, but it was my fault’
Phillip Schofield may be returning to TV screens sooner than expected, as an expert claims the former This Morning host has a three-step plan to recover his image.
After 21 years fronting the ITV show, the 61-year-old decided to step down with immediate effect in June.
Although it was first believed his exit was down to behind-the-scenes feuds with co-host Holly Willoughby, it later transpired Phillip had lied about an affair with a younger male colleague.
The presenter has kept out of the public eye since his tell-all BBC interview in June, with many believing his long-running career in the spotlight has come to an end.
However, crisis communications and PR expert at Go Up Edward Coram-James believes he has a plan for reputational recovery, which has already started.
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According to Edward, the first phase was his sit-down interview with the BBC where he candidly opened up about losing everything after the affair came to light.
He claims Phil’s history of being in front of the camera worked in his favour during the chat.
Speaking to The Mirror, he said: “Schofield was ridiculed, demonised and dehumanised, to the point where he became nothing more than a fair game punching bag. In the interview, we were reminded that he was a person.
“And a person that, actually, we all quite like. And that, as wrong as it is, people have affairs. He was apologetic and took full responsibility.”
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The second step in Philip’s supposed plan happened by chance when Huw Edwards’ scandal emerged at the BBC.
As many people compared both scenarios, it was when Huw’s wife Vicky Flind released a statement on his mental health that people’s shift in attitudes began.
Ed highlighted how the BBC host was instantly humanised with the nation coming to his defence.
However, the same couldn’t be said about Phillip and his treatment from the media and public.
The third and final phase, according to Edward, is Phillip trying to rebuild a new image for himself in the public eye.
Despite many of his friends in the media not being seen in public with the ex-ITV star, he was recently spotted enjoying a night out with Vanessa Feltz.
The expert suggests this public outing could be a key introduction to getting him back on television, even as a guest on Feltz’s own TalkTV show.
He added: “The public needs to see him in his natural environment, doing what he does best. And that’s making people feel a little bit of warmth when they turn on the TV.
“Give him the chance to do it again, and all but a few bitter people will be quick to forgive his mistakes.”
Express.co.uk contacted Phillip’s representatives who declined to comment on his behalf.
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