10 May 2024 , 21:59
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Declan Donnelly is supporting Phillip Schofield as he urges his pal to return to the spotlight.
The pair were recently snapped laughing and joking in London after enjoying a four-hour evening in a restaurant close to their respective homes. Phillip, 62, cut a casual chic figure in a grey jumper, a pair of skinny grey trousers and black shoes, as he carried a backpack on his shoulder. He was also holding on to his pet puppy, walking ahead on his lead.
Meanwhile, Declan wore a black sleeveless puffer jacket over a matching long-sleeved top, completing the outfit with a pair of black trousers and white trainers. His wife Ali Astall, whom he wed in 2015, joined them.
Phillip Schofield left his hosting duties on ITV in May, 2023 but a return could be on the cards (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)The I'm A Celebrity presenter is one of the pals pushing for Phillip to take back his place in the limelight, months after stepping down from This Morning and ITV over an "unwise but not illegal." But while many are trying to convince him to return to presenting, Phillip remains reluctant.
"Since he left This Morning, Phil has been held up by the support of friends like Ant, Dec and Alison Hammond", a source said, before claiming that Declan Donnelly was one of his biggest supporters. "They have all been rallying around him and their support, especially from Dec who is such a good friend, has really helped Phil."
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But despite his reservations, bosses are keen to get the ball rolling for him: "some TV executives have been in touch with Phil about a possible return and his friends have told him he should consider it. Phil is still shell shocked by everything that happened last year and is happy at the moment to focus on rebuilding his life with the support of his friends and family."
The source continued: "whether he will make a comeback — whether it’s on TV or radio — is still undecided but the offers are there if he wants to pursue them. His friends have told him they will support him all the way."
Declan and Phillip had not been seen in each other's company since the This Morning scandal erupted in May, 2023, when the latter left ITV following reports of a rift with co-star Holly Willoughby. He later confirmed he'd had an affair with a younger male employee while he was still married to Stephanie Lowe.
Phillip and the younger colleague had previously denied the relationship when a December, 2019 report from The Sun first exposed the affair, which led to ITV investigating the rumours in 2020. But the runner eventually admitted the truth, leaving Phillip to apologise for the deception and leave ITV with immediate effect.
Holly Willoughby remained on the program but eventually left in October, 2023, when a man was charged with soliciting to commit murder. She has since been working on her own TV comeback.