Phillip Schofield was snapped with the young male runner he's admitted to having an affair with as early as 2018.
The disgraced star was seen walking in front of the aide as he hosted a This Morning Live event, in pictures which have been obtained by the Sun.
The 61-year-old had a relationship with the runner behind his wife Stephanie Lowe's back, and ITV executives have insisted that an investigation involving both men took place back in 2020, Mail Online have reported.
According to sources, Phillip's closeness to the assistant raised a few eyebrows as he insisted he would only help with issues relating to the star's food and wardrobe.
An insider said: “It was odd - suddenly this new young staff member was glued to Phillip’s side.
"It was made clear to all other staff he was Phillip’s chosen aide - even though at times Phillip was quite abrasive towards him.” reports the Sun.
It comes amid claims that the young male has now insisted he was never quizzed about his affair with the This Morning star, writes Mail Online.
And an ITV boss has broken his silence amid rumours that This Morning could be axed following the scandal.
Kevin Lygo, the channel's director of television, denied an investigation into the presenter's affair - which he described as 'unwise but not illegal" - with a teen colleague had been bungled.
When asked by Sky News if mistakes had been made during the probe carried out by ITV in 2020, he simply replied: "No."
The denial comes despite numerous claims that eight stars complained about Schofield's toxic behaviour.
However, ITV boss Kevin declined to comment further on the issue, saying only: "Honestly, we've made a statement today [and] yesterday. I think it's all clear."
Sources told the Mail Online that the former production assistant insists that 'he was never asked' about the romance, while another ITV insider said that 'everybody just knew about it'.
"It's time for some truths to be told now, this has been brushed under the carpet for so long and it has to come to an end.
"The younger man has got to the point now where he won't lie for anyone but actually, he says he was never asked by ITV about any relationship. It is time that people were held to account, or at the very least explain themselves," they said.
However, according to the Mail, an ITV spokesman said last night: "Both parties were questioned."
It comes as the television network previously said it has "no plans" to take This Morning off the air.
The shamed star initially resigned from This Morning over a growing feud with pal and co-star Holly Willoughby - however, his departure was also fuelled by his brother's court case.
Six days after his exit, he made a shock admission confirming the "consensual on-off relationship" - leaving him no choice but to quit ITV altogether.
ITV said no one employed on the daytime show knew of the affair as Schofield "lied" to everyone.
On Saturday a spokesperson said: "Further to our statement last night, ITV can confirm that when rumours of a relationship between Phillip Schofield and an employee of ITV first began to circulate in early 2020 ITV investigated.
"Both parties were questioned and both categorically and repeatedly denied the rumours as did Phillip's then agency YMU.
"In addition, ITV spoke to a number of people who worked on This Morning and were not provided with, and did not find, any evidence of a relationship beyond hearsay and rumour.
"Phillip’s statement yesterday reveals that he lied to people at ITV, from senior management to fellow presenters, to YMU, to the media and to others over this relationship."
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