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Phillip Schofield: Viewers say it's time to 'be kind' after 'upsetting' interview

The presenter addressed the scandal in an interview with journalist Amol Rajan

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15: Phillip Schofield attends the ITV Palooza 2022 on November 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images)
Phillip Schofield has opened up in a new interview. (Getty Images)

Viewers have said it’s time Phillip Schofield was “left alone” after he opened up about his This Morning scandal in a new interview.

The presenter sat down with the BBC’s Amol Rajan after a turbulent couple of weeks which saw him admitting to having an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a much younger ITV staff member and exiting the ITV daytime programme.

During the interview, Schofield, 61, said his TV career was in the past and that he had “lost everything”.

Read more: Kerry Katona recalls 'belittling' This Morning interview and says show 'needs to go'

He also said he understood how late Love Island host Caroline Flackwho took her own life in 2020 – must have felt.

Many people tuning in said it was time to move on, with several citing the “Be kind” phrase that was embraced in the wake of Flack’s death.

“People and the media need to lay off him now,” one tweeted.

"Found this quite uncomfortable and upsetting to watch," said another.

"Schofield seems genuine to me."

Another said: “This Philip Schofield thing is WAY out of hand, it's taking a very dark road and the 'Be Kind' mantra has not lasted very long! Have people learnt nothing!”

“I found the Schofield interview unnecessary and intrusive,” said another.

Phillip Schofield with Holly Willoughby on This Morning. (ITV)
Phillip Schofield with Holly Willoughby on This Morning. (ITV)

“I can’t see what the fuss is about - they were both adults.

"Affairs routinely occur in the workplace (look at MPs) and the routinely denied in the workplace.

"Schofield and his ex should be left alone.”

Somebody else wrote: “Whatever your feelings are about Phillip Schofield, I think it’s time to leave the bloke alone.

"Sadly, I guess there are those wicked enough out there who won’t be happy until he’s totally destroyed.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15: Phillip Schofield attends the ITV Palooza 2022 on November 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Phillip Schofield said he's lost everything. (Getty Images)

However, there were some who suggested the interview came across as a bit “stage managed”.

Read more: Josie Gibson drops the 'F-bomb' as she tries out 'brutal' ride for This Morning

“Schofield needs to stop doing TV interviews then and trying to justify his behaviour," posted another.

For confidential emotional support contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.

Watch: Phillip Schofield says he's 'lost everything' and apologises over affair - as he reveals where first romantic encounter took place