Declan Donnelly 'rallies around' Phillip Schofield as he's urged to make TV comeback

Phillip Schofield is reportedly being encouraged to make a television comeback by his close friend Declan Donnelly. The two were recently spotted sharing laughs in London after spending four hours together at a nearby restaurant.

Schofield, 62, was seen looking casually stylish in a grey jumper, skinny grey trousers and black shoes, with a backpack slung over his shoulder. He was also seen leading his pet puppy on a leash.

On the other hand, Dec sported a black sleeveless puffer jacket over a matching long-sleeved top, paired with black trousers and white trainers. His wife Ali Astall, whom he married in 2015, was also present.

The I'm A Celebrity host is among those urging Schofield to reclaim his spot in the limelight, following his departure from This Morning and ITV due to an "unwise but not illegal."

incident. Despite the encouragement to return to presenting, Schofield remains hesitant, reports the Mirror.

A source revealed that since leaving This Morning, Schofield has been greatly supported by friends like Ant, Dec and Alison Hammond. They added that Dec has been one of his biggest supporters, stating: "They have all been rallying around him and their support, especially from Dec who is such a good friend, has really helped Phil."

In spite of the concerns he may have, TV bosses are obviously eager to move forward with him: "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."

The insider went on to say: "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."

Declan and Phillip hadn't been spotted together since the This Morning scandal erupted in May, 2023, when Phillip left ITV following reports of a falling out with co-host Holly Willoughby. Later, he confirmed he had an affair with a younger male staff member while still married to Stephanie Lowe.

Both Phillip and the younger employee initially denied the relationship following The Sun's report revealing the affair in December 2019, leading to ITV looking into the rumours in 2020. Eventually, the runner confessed to the truth, forcing Phillip to apologise for the deceit, resulting in his immediate departure from ITV.

Holly Willoughby continued to be part of the program but left eventually in October, 2023, when a man was charged with soliciting murder. Since then, she has been working on her own TV return.

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.