PHILLIP Schofield has returned to social media for the first time in over a year.

The former presenter, 62, has appeared to be on the comeback trail in recent weeks after being seen laughing and joking with ITV royalty Declan Donnelly.

Phillip Schofield has returned to social media for the first time in over a yearCredit: Getty

Today, he took to Instagram with his first post since last MayCredit: Instagram
His night out with I’m A Celeb presenter Dec comes after Phil stepped back from ITV in May last year over an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger member of staff.

Today, he took to Instagram with his first post since in a year – a snap of his dog Alfie watching Formula 1 on TV.

The pooch was seen sitting on the end of his bed, with Phillip out of sight.

In his caption, the ex telly star wrote: “Thankfully, Alfie is a big @f1 fan.”

Those who have liked the picture so far include his daughter Ruby, Coronation Street’s Adam Woodyatt, footballer Jake Daniels, Leigh Francis and ex Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher.

Friends have been pushing for Phil to return to the spotlight, restarting the career that saw him become one of the country’s most recognisable stars.

However, those close to Phil say he still has reservations.

A source said: “Since he left This Morning, Phil has been held up by the support of friends like Ant, Dec, and Alison Hammond.

“They have all been rallying around him and their support, especially from Dec who is such a good friend, has really helped Phil.

“Some TV executives have been in touch with Phil about a possible return and his friends have told him he should consider it

“Phil is still shell-shocked by everything that happened last year and is happy at the moment to focus on rebuilding his life with the support of his friends and family.

“Whether he will make a comeback — whether it’s on TV or radio — is still undecided but the offers are there if he wants to pursue them.

“His friends have told him they will support him all the way.”

The dinner this week in West London was the first time Phil and Dec, 48, had been seen out together since the This Morning scandal broke.

Dec was joined by his wife Ali Astall while Phil took along his pet dog.

Onlookers said the pals were in high spirits.

One added: “Phil and Dec were as thick as thieves and had clearly had a great night together.

“Phil said something to Dec that really tickled him and he was laughing loudly.

“They looked like any other friends would after having a fun night out together. Phil seemed totally at ease.”

Phil left the limelight following his only interview after the scandal.

He told The Sun about his regret over his affair and said he would “die sorry” for his actions.

Phil separated from wife of 27 years Stephanie in 2020 after coming out as gay.

Since he left This Morning, Phil has been held up by the support of friends like Ant, Dec and Alison Hammond

Source

Despite his affair admission, the couple — who have two grown-up daughters — remain close.

Friends say Stephanie has been supportive of him.

However, Phil’s relationship with Holly Willoughby is finished, with the scandal rocking the ITV daytime show.

Phil added in his interview: “I’ve lost my best friend. I let her down. I let that entire show down. I let the viewers down.

“Holly did not know [about the romance]. And she was one of the first texts that I sent, to say, ‘I am so, so sorry that I lied to you’.

‘Toxic culture’

“She didn’t reply and I understand why she didn’t reply, as well.”

Phil has remained close with others at ITV, with Stephen Mulhern remaining in contact with him alongside a raft of other big names.

Insiders said Phil was also still close with a number of producers and crew members from the show.

Following his exit last year, bosses conducted an internal investigation into claims of a “toxic culture” on This Morning.

Their report stated that of the 48 people who spoke to barrister Jane Mulcahy, only one knew of the affair.

Phil and Dec were as thick as thieves and had clearly had a great night together

Onlooker

The review also found that ITV made “considerable efforts” to find out the truth about the relationship but was “unable to uncover the relevant evidence” until Phil spoke about it publicly.

In her report, Ms Mulcahy added: “I have no doubt senior management are absolutely wedded to the importance of an open culture.

“But this culture is still not filtering down to junior employees, many of whom remain convinced that to speak out will have a detrimental impact on their careers.”

Holly later stepped down from This Morning following an alleged kidnap plot against her.

In December, The Sun was the first to reveal how Cat Deeley and Ben Shepherd had been officially drafted in to replace them.

However, ratings have not recovered since the Holly and Phil fallout and have dipped to around 650,000 per episode.

This Morning’s ratings have not recovered since Phil’s fallout with Holly WilloughbyCredit: ITV

Phil pictured with his estranged wife Stephanie and their two daughtersCredit: PA