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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Susan Knox

ITV paid for Phillip Schofield counselling amid 'deep concern' for his welfare

Phillip Schofield is receiving counselling funded by ITV after his affair with a young male This Morning colleague was exposed last month.

The former This Morning presenter, 61, stepped down from hosting the ITV last month amid ongoing rumours of a feud between himself and his co-star Holly Willoughby.

Just six days later, Phillip announced that he would be stepping down from all his duties at ITV after his bombshell affair confession, and what ensued next was a storm of criticism and abuse from his former ITV co-stars as well the public who felt let down by his lies.

One particular star who has been incredibly vocal about Phillip's 'unwise but not illegal' affair and ITV's handling of the situation is Eamonn Holmes - Phillip's former This Morning co-star.

ITV boss Dame Carolyn McCall appeared in a parliamentary committee to answer questions about Phillip's affair (ITV)

As well as calling Phillip 'nasty' and a 'narcissist', Eamonn, 63, claimed that ITV bosses 'covered up' the affair that 'everyone knew about'.

Following the claims, ITV boss Dame Carolyn McCall appeared in a parliamentary committee to answer questions about the broadcaster’s approach to safeguarding and complaint handling after Phillip's exit from This Morning.

The chief executive is facing questions from MPs on the This Morning row at a session of the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee.

Carolyn, 61, is facing questions from MPs alongside ITV managing director Kevin Lygo and general counsel and company secretary Kyla Mullins about the This Morning row.

During the discussion, Carolyn said that she had been in contact with Phillip, and is 'deeply concerned' for his welfare following his downfall from grace in recent weeks.

The ITV chief executive also revealed that Phillip is now recieving counselling to cope with the trauma of losing his career, and having his affair exposed, as he continues to deny that he groomed the young man amid ongoing accusations.

Carolyn revealed that ITV are funding Phillip's counselling and still deeply care about the welfare of the former This Morning star after his 40-year TV career.

It comes after Phillip revealed that he had suicidal thoughts following the end of his career and the exposure of his affair.

In a sit-down interview with the BBC, Phillip said that he 'wouldn't be here' if it wasn't for the fact his daughters have not left his side since the news of his affair broke.

The session also covered ITV’s initial investigation into rumours regarding Schofield, the ITV-commissioned review into the facts by barrister Jane Mulcahy KC, the working culture on This Morning and other productions, as well as ITV’s use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and its whistleblowing policy.

*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

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