PHILLIP Schofield has been pictured dejected amid reports that Ben Shephard is set to replace him on This Morning.
The former presenter, 61, was joined by his wife Stephanie Lowe and one of their daughters, Molly, as they stepped out in west London this week.
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Phillip Schofield was seen with his wife Stephanie and daughter MollyCredit: Splash
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The presenter looked downcast as they walked Credit: Splash
It was a rare public outing for Phil, who was sacked by ITV in May after he admitted lying about an affair with a younger colleague.
The presenter walked around with his hands in his pockets, scowling as his family continued to support him.
Despite divorcing when he announced he was gay in 2020, Phil continued to wear his wedding ring – as a symbol of his commitment to Stephanie.
And after admitting he had an affair earlier this year, Phil still insisted they have a “beautiful marriage”.
Read more about Phillip Schofield
Speaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan in June after his infidelity came to light, Phil said: “I’ve had a wonderful marriage, I have a wonderful marriage, although it’s not great at the moment, with an incredibly supportive wife and two beautiful children.”
Somewhat confusingly, he added: “We’re apart, but we’re very much together.”
Their outing together comes just days after it was announced that Ben Shephard, 48, could be replacing Phil permanently on This Morning.
Since Phillip left, Holly has hosted the daytime TV show alongside a rotating list of ITV stars including Josie Gibson, Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary and Craig Doyle.
But it’s Ben who reportedly really impressed the network’s senior executives when he came in last week.
A source told the Mail: “Ben has done really well and bosses have loved his partnership with Holly and there has been great feedback from many quarters.
“Ben is known throughout ITV as being very popular with the audience of all the shows he hosts. He is also trusted by the public and is well-loved at ITV. He has hosted so many shows for the channel.
“He and Holly also go back years – he presented on This Morning a few years ago and they have a great relationship.”
Holly, who has cut ties with Phil, recently told The Sun at the NTA’s that she wanted to have a permanent co-host but said it was up to the fans who she got.
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Phil walked with his hands in his pockets. Credit: Splash
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The host was supported by his family Credits: Splash
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He has kept a low profile in recent months Credit: Splash
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Phil left This Morning after revealing an affair with a younger colleague Credit: Rex
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There are reports that Ben Shephard could be a permanent replacement Credit: Rex
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