The ex-lover of Phillip Schofield admitted his feelings for him 'in no uncertain terms' in front of shocked ITV colleagues at an awards night, it has been claimed.
The Mail On Sunday reports that the much younger man, who was routinely invited to glamorous events by Phil, confessed his love for the This Morning presenter at the show in early 2020.
The Mail report reads: "At one particular event, an awards ceremony, Schofield's friend stunned his ITV colleagues by, as one put it, 'declaring his love for Phil in no uncertain terms'."
Read More: Holly Willoughby 'determined to stay at This Morning and will only leave if show is axed'
Schofield's former employers, his talent agency and Holly Willoughby have claimed that both he and the man, who is understood to be aged in his 20s - said they weren't in a relationship and that things were strictly professional.
The 61-year-old Dancing on Ice host and his younger ex-lover 'categorically and repeatedly' said the rumours were untrue during a later investigation.
Addressing the rumours, now-former co-host Holly Willoughby said: "It has taken some time to process yesterday’s news. When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It’s been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie."
Former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes said: "Ruth and I [were] deceived and lied to... What transpired took us for fools. The man told us complete lies and we unfortunately believed him. Schofield has finally been caught out, but he’s not the only guilty party. Four high members of ITV management knew what sort of man he was."
The fallout on This Morning continues, with speculation growing over its possible cancellation, as ITV bosses say its reputation is "tarnished beyond repair" after Schofield admitted he lied about a relationship with a younger male colleague.
A top source said: "The reality is things have gone too far. The show and the brand are tarnished beyond repair – no one is going to want to appear on it and Carolyn is looking to axe it. Her job could also be on the rocks. Behind the scenes it’s being said that it is a ‘f***ing nightmare’."
Despite the continuing controversy, ITV have confirmed This Morning will air this Monday morning.
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary will lead the morning show, which airs at 10am.
An ITV spokesperson told The Mirror: "As we said on the record yesterday, This Morning is not under review and there’s no plans for the show to be axed. This Morning will return as normal tomorrow."
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