Phillip had not been on the show in three weeks
Phillip Schofield has thanked people for their “kind messages and support” as he returned to This Morning hosting duties for the first time since his brother’s conviction for sexually abusing a teenage boy.
Earlier this month, Timothy Schofield was found guilty at Exeter Crown Court of sexually abusing the boy over a period of three years.
He was charged with 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 and October 2019.
Phillip had been taking pre-planned leave from This Morning during the trial, and hadn’t appeared on the show in three weeks.
On Monday morning (April 17) he made his return to the daytime show, alongside Rochelle Humes who is stepping in for Holly Willoughby, who is off sick with shingles.
After wishing Holly a speedy recovery, he addressed his absence from the show, thanking viewers for their support during the difficult time.
He said: “I’d just like to say, it is really lovely to be back. I have missed the show and everyone here and also to you.
“I wanted to say thank you for your kind messages and support which were really appreciated. Thank you very much indeed. On with the show… Shall we?”
Timothy was convicted of three counts of causing a child to watch sexual activity and three of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
The civilian police officer was also found guilty of three counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and two of sexual activity with a child after five hours deliberation.
Following the conviction, Phillip released a damning statement on social media in which he welcomed the verdict and disowned his brother.
The 61-year-old said: “My overwhelming concern is and has always been for the wellbeing of the victim and his family. I hope that their privacy will now be respected.
“If any crime had ever been confessed to me by my brother, I would have acted immediately to protect the victim and their family.
“These are despicable crimes, and I welcome the guilty verdicts.
“As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother.”
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