EAMONN BLASTS ‘FALSE ACTOR’ PHIL
Holly urged to quit show too
EAMONN Holmes yesterday renewed his attack on former This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield, calling him “false” and an “actor”.
Holmes, who worked on the show with Schofield and his co-presenter Holly Willoughby, says he remembers the day the married father-of-two came out as gay live on TV.
He said he felt uncomfortable about the whole issue, and felt it was set up.
And he revealed how Schofield dropped to his knees off air in front of him crying, telling him he was gay.
Holmes said: “The acting was incredible. He fell to his knees crying and I asked what was the matter. He replied,‘i am gay’. So I walked over to him and said, ‘Is that all’?
“I thought it was all done in a very choreographed way. Knowing how false they were, I’m sure they [Phillip and Holly] had rehearsed it for days. It had been planned for some time.”
Former Irish Sky correspondent Enda Brady backed Eamonn – and urged Holly Willoughby to follow Schofield “out the door”.
Brady, who is now a media consultant, told Ireland AM yesterday: “They are now clamouring to keep that show on the road, to keep advertising revenue coming in.
“All the indications are that there’s two million quid in sponsorship and advertising deals gone. They’ve a big hole on that sofa to fill.
“They need to do something. There are questions as to how Holly Willoughby will now continue. would imagine she’s feeling pretty angry. Eamonn landed quite a few punches.”
TV execs are to be grilled by MPS over This Morning’s “toxic” culture, it emerged yesterday – as Phillip Schofield was dumped as an ambassador by The Prince’s Trust.
The fallout over the Schofield scandal showed no signs of easing last night as the charity dropped the bombshell. And the work environment at the popular daytime show is likely to be closely scrutinised when ITV bosses give evidence to MPS on the Culture, Media and Sport committee.
The meeting was arranged before host Schofield, 61, quit after lying about an affair with a young male colleague.
It will be about updating broadcasting rules in the new Media Bill but MPS are likely to focus on ITV’S recent upheaval.
ITV has just applied to watchdog Ofcom to renew its licence, which expires next year. Yesterday, a Prince’s Trust spokesman revealed it would no longer be working with the ex-tv host.
In a statement the Trust, which helps young people get on in life, said: “In light of Phillip’s recent admissions, we have agreed with him that it is no longer appropriate to work together.”
Alison Hammond, 48, and Dermot O’leary, 50, are presenting during half term.