The date for when This Morning presenter Philip Schofield is set to return to his hosting duties on the show has been confirmed. It comes after the ITV star has been absent from screens for three weeks.
However, the 61-year-old will, according to the Mirror, be making a comeback today (April 17). The TV favourite's initial absence was due to his brother, Timothy, who has been on trial for sexually assaulting a teenage boy over a period of three years.
Last Monday, Timothy, 54, was found guilty of the charges and is expected to face his sentence next month at Bristol Crown Court. In a statement following the guilty verdict, Philip said: "As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother.”
READ MORE: ITV This Morning tribute to Phillip Schofield amid absence from show
A lawyer acting on behalf of Phillip also shared a statement. It read: "My overwhelming concern is and has always been for the wellbeing of the victim and his family. I hope that their privacy will now be respected. If any crime had ever been confessed to me by my brother, I would have acted immediately to protect the victim and their family.
"These are despicable crimes, and I welcome the guilty verdicts. As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother." Timothy was charged with 11 sexual offences involving a child, including two of sexual activity with a child.
Although Philip is due to return to our screens today, his usual co-host Holly Willoughby will be away from the ITV show's studios for at least another week. Taking to her Instagram account to share the news with fans, she confirmed she will be missing the show this week due to an illness.
In a post on her Instagram Story, the star wrote: "Hi, just to let you know, I may be away for the rest of the week as I have Shingles. I'll be back as soon as I'm better. Huge love."
According to the NHS, Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash. The first signs of shingles can be: a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, a headache or feeling generally unwell. A rash will appear a few days later.
Over the last few weeks, amid Philip's absence, Holly has been presenting the show on and off with various other co-hosts. During the first week, Holly was joined by Alison Hammond and The Masked Singer star Joel Dommett.
Last week, regular Friday hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary took charge. Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle also stood in too. But it would seem that Philip will be returning to his spot on the show now - it is understood he will be joined by Rochelle Humes this week.
Speaking to the Sun, a source said: "Both Phillip and ITV agreed the time was right for his return. He is keen for normal life to return, and is very grateful for all the support from colleagues and friends behind the scenes. Everyone at ITV wants him back on air.”
The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment.
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