Phillip Schofield thanks viewers on TV return after brother’s sex abuse trial
By Alex Green, PA Acting Deputy Entertainment Editor
Phillip Schofield thanked viewers for their “kind messages and support” as he returned to This Morning after his brother’s sex abuse trial.
Earlier this month, Timothy Schofield, 54, was convicted of 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 and October 2019, including two of sexual activity with a child.
His older sibling, who took a period of pre-planned leave around the trial, at Exeter Crown Court, returned to This Morning on Monday alongside Rochelle Humes.
The 61-year-old was due to present alongside regular partner Holly Willoughby but she is ill.
He said: “Holly isn’t well today so is sadly off today and perhaps a few more days with a bout of shingles. Ouch.
“So if you are watching at home, Holly, then get well soon. The whole team sends their love. And thank you, Rochelle, for coming to play.
“I wanted to say that it is really lovely to be back. I have missed the show, everyone here, and also to you (the viewers).
“And I wanted to say thank you for all your kind messages and support, which were really appreciated, so thank you very much indeed. On with the show.”
On April 3, a jury found Timothy Schofield guilty on all counts with a majority of 10-2 after more than five-and-a-half hours of deliberation.
The civilian police worker from Bath told the jury while giving evidence he watched pornography with the boy, whom he insisted was over the age of 16 at the time, and they masturbated while sitting apart – but denied performing sex acts on the teenager.
In a statement released by his lawyer after the guilty verdict, Phillip Schofield said: “My overwhelming concern is and has always been for the wellbeing of the victim and his family. I hope that their privacy will now be respected.
“If any crime had ever been confessed to me by my brother, I would have acted immediately to protect the victim and their family.
“These are despicable crimes and I welcome the guilty verdicts. As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother.”
Schofield has been a regular presenter on This Morning since 2002 alongside hosts including Fern Britton and Amanda Holden.
