Chiltern Centre drops Schofield as patron

PHILLIP Schofield has been dropped by the Chiltern Centre in Henley after it was revealed he had lied about having an affair with a male ITV colleague.

The former presenter of This Morning admitted that he had lied about the relationship while he was still married to his wife, Stephanie Lowe, during an investigation in 2020.

The couple lived together in Fawley.

Schofield had been a patron of the Chiltern Centre, which supports young adults with disabilities, since 2009. The charity said this week that following “recent admissions”, it no longer felt it was “appropriate” for the presenter to represent it as a patron.

In a statement, Schofield said: “Contrary to speculation, while I met the man when he was a teenager and was asked to help him to get into television, it was only after he started to work on the show that it became more than just a friendship.

“That relationship was unwise but not illegal. It is now over.” He said he was “deeply sorry” for lying about the relationship to ITV, his friends, family and colleagues.

He has since stepped down from all roles at the broadcaster and will not host the British Soap Awards.

In 2019, Schofield surprised the Chiltern Centre with a £20,000 donation after receiving a cheque from DJ Chris Evans, who had raised it through his Carfest music and motoring festival.

The charity publicly supported him when he came out as gay in 2020 on This Morning.

In a statement, it said: “We have been incredibly lucky for many years to have the patronage of Phillip Schofield. His generosity, kindness and support has been consistent and deeply appreciated. His recent donation of £20,000 is just one example of his wonderful community spirit.

“We stand firmly with Phillip as he and his family move forward from the announcement that he is gay and commend both him and his whole family for their bravery in honestly and openly talking about matters that are very personal to them.”

Schofield has opened Fawley village fete and given out festive treats at the Herb Farm in Sonning Common.

In 2012, he was profiled in 100 Faces of Henley, a book containing photographs and potted biographies of noted local residents which was sold in aid of various good causes.

In a statement, ITV said: “We are deeply disappointed by the admissions of deceit made by Phillip Schofield.

“The relationships we have with those we work with are based on trust.

“Phillip made assurances to us which he now acknowledges were untrue and we feel badly let down.

“We accept his resignation from ITV and therefore can confirm that he will not be appearing on ITV as had previously been stated.”