Phillip Schofield has admitted he is “utterly broken and ashamed” over the affair he had with a younger male colleague, but denies grooming the man.
The former This Morning host resigned from ITV last week and was dropped by his talent agency YMU after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague. In his first interview since leaving the broadcaster and This Morning, the 61-year-old presenter told The Sun: “I did not, I did not (groom him).
“There are accusations of all sorts of things. It never came across that way because we’d become mates. I don’t know about that. But of course I understand that there will be a massive judgment, but bearing in mind, I have never exercised that anywhere else."
Read More: ITV boss asks barrister to carry out This Morning investigation after Phillip Schofield affair
Phillip described the relationship - which happened when the runner was over 18 - as a "consensual on-off relationship with a younger male colleague". He apologised for lying to bosses and being unfaithful to his wife.
He said: "The first thing I want to say is: I am deeply sorry for having lied to them, and to many others about a relationship that I had with someone working on This Morning. I did have a consensual on-off relationship with a younger male colleague at This Morning.
"I am painfully conscious that I have lied to my employers at ITV, to my colleagues and friends, to my agents, to the media and therefore the public and most importantly of all to my family. I am so very, very sorry, as I am for having been unfaithful to my wife."
He has also been replaced as host of the British Soap Awards by singer and presenter Jane McDonald
Taking to Instagram, Jane said: "I'm so excited to be this year's host for The British Soap Awards!! Everyone knows how much I LOVE my soaps, this year I’ve been honoured to be mentioned in Corrie, EastEnders and Emmerdale so this is just a dream come true. I can’t wait to see all our wonderful soap nominees and celebrate all their hard work with them - roll on the awards, I can’t wait."
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