Phillip Schofield has largely stayed out of the spotlight since leaving ITV in 2023, with reports revealing he earned just £20,000 in 2024 compared to his previous seven-figure salary
Ruairi Scott Byrne and Cally Brooks Features Writer
11:14, 08 Feb 2026
(Image: Getty Images)
Phillip Schofield was once amongst the most recognisable and dependable faces on British daytime television, but his career trajectory has changed considerably. Following his exit from ITV amidst controversy surrounding an undisclosed relationship with a younger colleague, he’s largely remained out of the public eye.
Nearly two years on, uncertainty persists over whether the 63 year old broadcaster will return to mainstream television. Schofield stepped down from ITV in 2023 after admitting he’d been untruthful about a past relationship with a younger male colleague on This Morning, whilst still married to his wife Stephanie Lowe.
Whilst Schofield first met the individual when he was a 15 year old drama school student, the relationship only commenced several years later. ITV subsequently confirmed it had earlier investigated the matter but said it hadn’t found evidence at the time which contradicted Schofield’s version of events.
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His exit marked a sudden conclusion to more than 20 years with the broadcaster, throughout which he presented This Morning, Dancing on Ice, and various prime-time shows. Since then, he hasn’t returned to mainstream UK daytime television.
Damaged public image Experts believe the scale of the controversy went far beyond the original incident, according to the Mirror. PR specialist Mayah Riaz explained: ” Phillip Schofield’s situation is complicated as it still makes people feel a bit uncomfortable because it sits in that grey area between a genuine wrongdoing and a very public unravelling.”, reports the Irish Mirror.
“What Phillip did was wrong, but the scale of what followed became something far bigger than the original issue. The narrative stopped being about the incident and became about what he represented. He became the person the industry made an example of.”
She notes that his high profile played a crucial role: “There are certainly people in television who have done far worse and faced far less public and professional consequence. That is where accusations of hypocrisy creep in. Phil’s case was visible, emotional and very easy for the public to understand. That made him a perfect lightning rod.”
Career
Schofield later appeared on a survival-style reality programme and gave interviews addressing his departure and ITV’s handling of the situation. Reactions were mixed, with certain viewers expressing support while others questioned his tactics.
Riaz adds: “His appearance on the survival show and his comments about ITV did not help because they reinforced a narrative of bitterness rather than reflection.
“Audiences are surprisingly forgiving when they feel someone has truly owned their mistakes. They are far less forgiving when they feel someone is still fighting the system.”
Reports from MailOnline in 2025 revealed that Phil took home £20,000 in 2024, a dramatic drop from the seven-figure wage he once received from ITV. Records from his business, Fistral Productions, show it paid just £3,947 in tax for the year ending November 2024, suggesting a significant reduction in income.
Whilst the business continues to be registered with Companies House, its Google listing describes it as “permanently closed”. However, according to company filings, the firm maintains net assets worth £2.1 million, ensuring he remains financially secure despite his career difficulties.
Family life
Schofield has historically maintained homes in London and Oxfordshire, but after his scandal he withdrew to his £839,428 property in Cornwall. The house was acquired through Fistral Properties, their shared business formed in 2019, taking its name from Fistral Beach in Cornwall, where the broadcaster grew up.
The home boasts a cosy living room, which Phillip showcased whilst publicising his book, Life’s What You Make It. The space features neutral décor with rustic elements including a clock, candles and a charming fireplace.
The property also boasts a stunning garden complete with a patio, climbing plants, and a striking fire pit. The specific model is the ‘Leaf Fire Bowl’ from Wahlström Fire Pits, retailing at £1,020 on the manufacturer’s website.
The presenter was gifted the feature and proudly displayed it on his Instagram. The former couple share two daughters, Molly and Ruby Lowe, and continue to uphold a close family bond.
Both girls have publicly supported him throughout the ensuing upheaval.
His daughter Molly Schofield spoke openly about her reaction to her father’s announcement on the Channel 5 show, stating: “When my dad came out, it was… very hard for me, it was very hard for the entire family – mainly my mum, of course – everything was turned upside down.
“But we talked through it, and over time it’s got easier. You know, my mum, my sister (Ruby), we’re all the same, we will always continue to support him no matter what,” she added.
‘Romance’
The TV star was seen resting his head on his friend’s shoulder, identified as nurse Joshua Luke Sharman, after an evening of drinks together in central London in August 2025.
The pair were snapped leaving London’s trailblazing LGBTQ+ cinema Arzner Bar and Cafe in Bermondsey at 7pm, sharing a kiss as they departed. They appeared slightly unsteady as they left, arms wrapped around each other.
Phillip had positioned his arm around Joshua’s waist, whilst his companion placed an arm across the presenter’s shoulder.
Relationship with Holly Willoughby
His former co-host Holly Willoughby also experienced consequences, though of a different nature, as audiences questioned her knowledge of events and when she became aware.
Riaz describes her predicament as particularly difficult: “She was absolutely collateral damage at the start. She was placed in an impossible position where any reaction was going to be criticised. Silence looked complicit, speaking out looked disloyal. That is a PR nightmare no one trains you for.”
She argues that Willoughby’s reputation challenges have developed more slowly and subtly: “Her brand was built on warmth, relatability and trust. Once viewers started questioning what she knew and when, that emotional connection weakened. TV audiences are instinctive. If they feel something is off, they drift away quietly rather than loudly.”
The two presenters haven’t been seen together publicly since the controversy broke. However, insiders now indicate that Holly is finally ready to face her former This Morning co-star, nearly three years after the scandal emerged.
“Holly is taking hold of life and facing her demons,” a source told Heat magazine. “Phillip is one of those, so instead of burying him she will face him. She’s told pals if he wants to talk, she’s prepared to listen.
“Phil has reached out to Holly multiple times. He made several attempts to send her messages via mutual friends, but most fell on deaf ears. Holly wasn’t in a place to receive them.”
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