Phillip drops in for his TV show... by parachute
PRESENTER Phillip Schofield skydived from 15,000ft to the This Morning studio yesterday to kick off celebrations for the ITV chat show's 30th anniversary.
And Prime Minister Theresa May, Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker and The X Factor host Dermot O'Leary all featured in a special video setting up the stunt.
In a clip at the beginning of the show, Schofield was seen in the back of a taxi stuck in a traffic jam, trying to get to the broadcast.
After he phones co-host Holly Willoughby, telling her “I'm so sorry, I need help”, she assures him: “Don't worry, I'm on it.”
A chain of phone calls enlists help from a host of stars, including O'Leary, Whittaker and Celebrity Juice's Keith Lemon.
O'Leary responds to her call saying: “What? 30th with no Phillip... not on my watch! I'll call in some favours,” before newsreader Mary Nightingale picks up the phone, saying: “Don't worry, I know exactly who to call.”
She summons help from Whittaker, who in turn calls Keith. Mrs May can then be seen on the phone to Schofield, telling him: “It's This Morning's 30th birthday, you absolutely have to be there. I know just the people who can help you.”
She then instructs him to follow the sign to the Parachute Regiment's display team, the Red Devils, warning him: “Remember, Phillip, the nation's going to be watching. Good luck.”
Schofield, wearing a personalised jumpsuit, gloves and sunglasses, then boarded a small plane with the team before skydiving down to the This Morning studios at West London's Television Centre.
Willoughby, waiting outside, was not impressed. “What time do you call this?” she asked.