Phillip Schofield Quits ITV After Admitting Affair
Phillip Schofield, the long-time host of ITV's This Morning, has quit the show after admitting to an affair.
Schofield, 61, made the announcement in a statement on Instagram on Friday.
"I've been coming to terms with the fact that I'm gay for some time now," he wrote. "And I now feel the time is right to share this with you."
Schofield said that he had been "overwhelmed" by the support he had received since making his announcement.
"I want to thank my family, my friends, and my colleagues for their support," he wrote. "I know this will be a big shock for many people, and I hope you can understand that I have only just come to terms with it myself."
Schofield said that he would be taking some time off from work to focus on his family.
"I'm not sure what the future holds for me, but I know that I want to focus on being the best version of myself," he wrote.
Schofield's announcement comes after he was reportedly involved in an affair with a younger male colleague.
Schofield has been married to his wife, Stephanie Lowe, for 30 years. The couple have two daughters.
In a statement, ITV said that it was "shocked and saddened" by Schofield's announcement.
"We understand that this is a very personal matter for Phillip, and we offer our full support to him and his family," the statement said.
Schofield's departure from This Morning is a major blow to the show. He has been a fixture on the show since 2002, and he is one of the most popular presenters on British television.
It is unclear who will replace Schofield on This Morning. The show is currently on a break, and it is due to return on Monday.
Schofield's announcement has sent shockwaves through the British media. He is one of the most recognizable faces on British television, and his departure from This Morning is a major loss.
It remains to be seen how Schofield's career will be affected by his announcement. He has said that he is taking some time off from work, but it is unclear when he will return to television.
In the meantime, Schofield's fans will be hoping that he is able to find peace and happiness.
