Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby ‘The Witch’

Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'

As a seasoned observer of the ever-evolving landscape of television, I find myself intrigued by this latest development in the saga of Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield. With decades of experience in the industry under their belts, both have navigated the ups and downs of show business with aplomb. Yet, it seems that recent allegations are casting a shadow over their once-solid camaraderie.


On Tuesday, Philip Schofield burst out laughing while savoring an extravagant dinner with his old television colleagues in the fashionable district of Mayfair.

In an attempt to regain my composure and professional image, I carefully selected a sharp navy blazer and sweater, paired with a pristine white shirt and chinos, aiming to convey a sense of trustworthiness and dedication during my appearance at the event.

Philip was accompanied by frequent guest on This Morning, Gyles Brandreth, along with his wife Michele Brown, as they exited Brown’s Hotel, linking arms after enjoying a meal together.

76-year-old Gyles made quite the fashion statement in a smart shirt and tailored jacket, while his wife turned heads in a striking, vibrant purple jacket.

Subsequently, it transpired that insiders informed ITV executives about his ex-TV comrade and friend Holly Willoughby, following her decision not to openly support him in public.

Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'

Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'

Supporters of the embattled host claim that he believed Holly and a high-ranking executive at This Morning orchestrated a carefully planned takeover, leading to his public downfall, which was evident to viewers across the nation.

In May, after several months of rumors surrounding a strained relationship with Ms. Willoughby, Schofield departed from the This Morning program. Later on, he confessed to a romantic involvement with a subordinate coworker, which led him to part ways with ITV entirely.

Initially, they were extremely close friends, spending vacations together with their respective families every year. However, it seems their friendship has turned sour again, as Schofield now calls his former confidant “the witch.

According to reports, Schofield is claimed to have informed Ms. Willoughby that her presence contributed to his decision to step down from This Morning prior to his resignation.

According to the Daily Mirror, Schofield allegedly made an accusation against someone via WhatsApp, expressing his belief that this person should have stood by him after their disagreement in public.

Later, he pointed the finger at her for not carrying out the task, claiming this was what led him to resign from the ITV show after a long tenure of 21 years.

Last week, Schofield requested public proof of their reconciliation – either a statement or a photo with her – on Channel 5’s Cast Away, hoping it would quell rumors that there had been a rift between them.

Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'
Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'
Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'
Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'
Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'
Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'
Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'

Following his WhatsApp message, it seems that Ms. Willoughby responded by expressing confusion over the current situation.

According to Schofield’s acquaintances, he was deeply distraught and chose to inform two top executives at ITV about Ms. Willoughby. We have reached out to ITV for a statement on this matter.

According to a source, Philip viewed her as a friend and often referred to her as his “TV sister.” He consistently supported her, even suggesting she participate in the jungle. The absence of public backing from her was seen as a harsh disappointment by him.

Schofield and his leadership team were reportedly quite wary of her public relations group, and they were displeased because the false stories circulating were not being addressed or debunked.

One reason for their falling-out was reportedly because Miss Willoughby was not fully informed about her partner’s brother, Timothy, and his criminal activities related to pedophilia.

In March, when both she and ITV knew about an upcoming trial, it’s believed that Schofill did not disclose all the details to her.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’ve observed a fascinating dynamic unfolding. It appears that Philip, in the spotlight, seems to be channeling some strong emotions – anger, perhaps? He’s using this moment of public attention to stir up some controversy, much like throwing mud against a wall while people are intrigued by him.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but express my thoughts on the situation surrounding Phil’s career. Contrary to some rumors, it wasn’t Holly who ended his career; instead, Phil resigned from ITV after he was caught in a lie about having an affair with a younger colleague. It’s ludicrous to pin the blame on Holly for this unfortunate turn of events. Let’s avoid such baseless assumptions and focus on accountability where it truly lies.

As a loyal supporter, I’m delighted to acknowledge that my disagreement with Schofield was validated when it became clear that he had been untruthful about his relationship with a junior coworker – a fact which ultimately vindicated Ms. Willoughby.

Last year, it was revealed that Mr. Willoughby had been untruthful about the affair with me. Additionally, he had confessed this deception to ITV, his talent agency YMU, his family, and even to The Mail. He had also lied to The Mail on the matter initially but eventually owned up to it in a statement issued to us in May.

Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'
Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'

A source remarked: ‘Phil has a reputation for being dishonest. Anything he tells you should be approached with caution, as he’s been known to deceive his coworkers, bosses, and journalists alike.’

After whispers suggesting a rift between them in May, Schofield left Willoughby feeling distraught when he openly addressed their friendship through a public statement.

Over the past few weeks, things haven’t been a breeze for either of us. Previously mentioned, Holly has always been my solid support.

In my book, there’s no one quite like her – she’s always been an exceptional source of strength, whether it’s our shared moments in front of the camera, the unseen collaboration off-set, or our heart-to-hearts over the phone.

‘Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her.’

Friends of Ms Willoughby said at the time said she was ‘blindsided’ by his outburst.

Schofield stood down from This Morning days later on May 20.

He said in a statement: ‘I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.

“I’ve decided to resign from ‘This Morning’ right away, with the hope that it will help the program progress towards a vibrant tomorrow.

As I bid farewell to my role on This Morning, I found myself geared up for presenting the Soap Awards a week ahead, all under the banner of ITV. The network executives had already planned a fresh prime-time show for me.

Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'
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He later quit after admitting an affair with his colleague.

In other reports, it is claimed that Holly and ex-bosses from ITV, Martin Frizell and Emma Gormley, are the ones known as Phil’s ‘three confidants’.

Last week’s return performance of Phil’s show, Cast Away, broadcasted on Channel 5, saw the television personality criticize individuals who allegedly deceived him approximately 16 months back when he left ITV’s This Morning.

In the show, Schofield seems to attribute his significant career downturn to a group of his previous ITV associates, stating: “I believe there are just three individuals who embody the worst aspects of show business.

He criticized the first person as a ‘coward who never showed courage during the incident known as Queuegate.’ Similarly, he accused the second person of being ‘a coward since they didn’t show any bravery when I was under attack.’

He claimed the third ‘is just brand-orientated’, adding: ‘Not what you expect, not what you think you’re going to get.’

According to The Sun, Phil alleges that Holly and their This Morning boss Martin orchestrated a planned takeover to fire him following the imprisonment of his brother Timothy, who is a convicted pedophile.

Reports claim that Phil has started calling his former close friend, Holly, “the witch,” and is said to use a witch-related emoji when talking about her with companions.

Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'
Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'
Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'

My buddy mentioned that Phil feels Holly, Martin, and Emma might have been the cause for his termination at ITV, and he strongly suspects they didn’t treat him justly.

According to some sources, it is said that Phil requested Martin not to take him and Holly for their ITV program to view the Queen’s casket, a request that led to the well-known controversy known as ‘queue-gate’.

When reached out to by TopMob, Holly’s representatives chose not to provide a statement. We have also reached out to ITV for their perspective on the matter.

It has also been claimed today that Holly allegedly ‘knew’ about Schofield’s paedophile brother in the build-up to his court case.

It’s clear that Holly stood behind her ex-colleague before the trial, even though she was taken aback by Timothy’s alleged wrongdoings committed by his brother.

In April 2023, Philip’s 54-year-old sibling was found guilty of 11 instances of sexually inappropriate behavior towards a minor, which occurred between October 2016 and October 2019. Among these offenses were two cases of engaging in sexual acts with a child.

According to “The Mirror”, Philip informed Holly approximately a month following Timothy’s apprehension in 2021. Notably, Holly received recognition for her exceptional support during the difficult time that followed.

As a trusted lifestyle advisor, let me share an insight I recently picked up: A confidant has suggested that there’s been a story circulating – one not yet officially clarified by Holly herself or her team – about her being taken aback by the news of her brother’s court case. Allegedly, she was quite upset with him for not keeping her informed about this situation beforehand.

‘But that narrative couldn’t be further from the truth.’

However, once it was harmful for her personal image, it’s clear that Holly distanced herself from the former This Morning host, Timothy, during his court trial in May.

Phillip Schofield giggles with This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth and his wife while out for a lavish meal in Mayfair as Cast Away star is seen for the first time since calling Holly Willoughby 'The Witch'

A source revealed to TopMob that Holly is frustrated with such assertions, and emphatically stated that not even a hint of truth can be found in them.

According to The Sun, Holly began to create a barrier between them due to understanding that it might reflect negatively on her reputation.

A friend told the publication: ‘Phil feels that he was sacked because of the bad press around his brother. Everyone knew about Tim – including Holly.

In the TV show ‘This Morning’, they had a private dressing room named ‘The Sanctuary’. It was here that Phil gathered some of his closest friends, which included Holly, and shared the sad news about his brother with them. He did so tearfully, but Holly was supportive, comforting him with a gentle touch and kind words.

However, Phil believes that she intentionally kept her distance from the issue due to its negative impact on her personal brand. Yet, she privately stood by Phil, expressing her disgust towards his brother’s actions.

Holly’s representatives declined to comment when contacted by TopMob.

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2024-10-12 18:20

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