Richard Madeley says he feels 'very sorry' for Phillip Schofield

Richard Madeley has said Phillip Schofield's This Morning exit was a "savage outcome" and that he is still in touch with the presenter.

Schofield exited the ITV programme earlier this year amid a scandal that saw him admitting to having an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a much younger ITV staff member.

His fall from grace gripped the nation, with the story dominating the headlines for days.

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Madeley, who used to host This Morning himself, has now told The Sun that he felt for the star.

"I feel very sorry for Phillip - it seemed a pretty savage outcome after 21 years," he said.

The Good Morning Britain host went on: “It seemed quite brutal to be honest.

"I took a paternal interest in it - I kept in touch, told him to take it easy and that it’ll be all right. He agreed. All things pass in the end."

Madeley, 67, hosted This Morning with his wife Judy Finnigan from 1988 to 2001 before they moved on to their own show, Richard & Judy.

Schofield, 61, joined the ITV programme in 2002 and was a host until May this year.

He presented alongside Holly Willoughby for many years.

He opened up in a couple of interviews after the scandal unfolded, telling the BBC’s Amol Rajan and said his television career was in the past and that he felt as if he had “lost everything”.

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He also said he could understand how late Love Island host Caroline Flack - who took her own life in 2020 - must have felt.

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

Watch: Phillip Schofield won't be replaced on 'This Morning'