PHILLIP Schofield appears to be on the comeback trail as he has been seen laughing and joking with ITV royalty Declan Donnelly.
The pair were captured together in London after a four-hour dinner at a restaurant close to their home – but the pictures are likely to infuriate his former This Morning co-host. Holly Willoughby.
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Phils night out with the I'm a celebrity presenter comes after he got off it ITV last May over an “ill-advised but not illegal” affair with a younger staff member.
Friends have insisted Philip, 62, to return to the spotlight and reinvigorate the career that saw him become one of the country's most recognizable stars.
However, people close to Phil say he still has reservations.
A source said: “Since leaving this morning, Phil has been held up by the support of friends like Ant, Dec and Alison Hammond.
“They have all rallied around him and their support, especially from Dec who is such a good friend, has really helped Phil.
“Some TV executives have been in contact with Phil about a possible return and his friends have told him he should consider it.
“Phil is still shaken by everything that happened last year and is happy that he can currently focus on rebuilding his life with the support of his friends and family.
“Whether he will make a comeback – whether 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.”
Their dinner in West London this week was the first time that Phil and Dec 48, were seen together for the first time since the first time This morning scandal broke.
Dec was accompanied by his wife Ali Astall while Phil took his puppy with him.
Bystanders said the friends were in good spirits.
One added: “Phil and Dec were as thick as thieves and clearly had a great night together.
“Phil said something to Dec that really tickled him and he laughed loudly.
“They looked like any other friends after a fun night out together. Phil seemed completely at ease.”
Phil left the spotlight after his only post-scandal interview.
He told The Sun of his regret over his affair and said he would “die sorry” for his actions.
Phil's wife Stephaniewith whom he has two adult daughters, Phil has remained close.
Since leaving This Morning, Phil has been held up by the support of friends such as Ant, Dec and Alison Hammond
Source
Friends say she supported him.
However, his relationship with Holly is over as the scandal rocks the ITV daytime show.
Phil added: “I have lost my best friend. I abandoned her. I left that whole show. I disappointed the viewers.
“Holly didn't know (about the romance). And she was one of the first texts I sent to say, “I'm so sorry I lied to you.”
'Toxic culture'
“She didn't answer and I understand why she didn't answer.”
Phil has remained close with friends at ITV Stephen Mulhern stayed in touch with him alongside a range of other big ITV names.
Insiders said Phil was also still close to some of the show's producers and crew.
Following Phil's departure last year, bosses carried out an internal investigation into claims of a “toxic culture” at the show.
Their report stated that of the 48 people attorney Jane Mulcahy spoke to, only one was aware of the case.
Phil and Dec were as thick as thieves and had clearly had a great night together
Spectator
The investigation also found that ITV made “significant efforts” to find out the truth about the relationship but was “unable to uncover the relevant evidence” until he spoke about it publicly.
In her report, Ms Mulcahy added: “I have no doubt that senior management is absolutely committed to the importance of an open culture.
“But this culture is still not filtering down to junior staff, many of whom remain convinced that speaking out will have a detrimental effect on their careers.”
Holly later stepped back This morning after an alleged kidnapping plot against her.
In December, The Sun was the first to reveal how Cat Deeley And Ben Herder officially drafted to replace them.
However, ratings have not recovered since The fallout from Holly and Phil and have dropped to around 650,000 per episode.
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