Schofield Returns to Instagram to Back England
Phillip Schofield broke his almost two-year internet silence on July 11, 2026, to support England in the 2026 World Cup. The former This Morning presenter, 64, posted a close-up selfie on Instagram showing transfer tattoos of the England flag and a cheek tattoo reading 'It's coming home', though slightly rubbed off. He joked, 'Bloody s***e transfer', adding a face-plant emoji and a laughing face. The post marks his first since November 2024, when he shared a photo of a Newquay sunset after scattering his parents' ashes.
Background of Schofield's Retreat
Schofield retreated from the limelight in mid-2023 after admitting to lying about an affair with a young male ITV co-worker. He insisted the relationship was 'consensual' and 'not illegal', though 'unwise'. He met the colleague at a drama school talk when the boy was 15, later arranging a job interview for him at This Morning. The affair began when the young man was in his 20s and Schofield in his mid-50s. Following the scandal, Schofield left his London property for his £840,000 home in Cornwall, where he lives a quieter life.
Career Fallout and Public Disappearance
After coming out as gay on live television in February 2020, Schofield's career suffered multiple blows: he was dropped by his talent agency of 35 years and removed as a Prince's Trust (now King's Trust) ambassador. His last screen appearance was in September 2024 on Channel 5's Cast Away, a three-episode series filmed entirely by himself while stranded alone on an island for 10 days. In it, he declared he was 'done' with TV, saying 'I don't care anymore' and 'this is me having my say as I bow out'. Public support from showbiz peers, including former best friend Holly Willoughby, has dwindled over the past three years.
Family Support and Personal Struggles
Schofield has remained close with his family, including daughters Molly and Ruby, and ex-wife Stephanie Lowe. In Cast Away, Molly said, 'We've seen him at his lowest times, but I've been so proud of him.' Schofield revealed he experienced 'dark' thoughts and got 'so close' to taking his own life. His mother Pat, who died in October 2024, remained supportive throughout his scandals. The pair were photographed together in Cornwall after his brother Timothy was sentenced to 12 years for sexually abusing a teenage boy.
World Cup Post and Public Reaction
Schofield's Instagram account still has 2.5 million followers, though comments are limited. His support for Thomas Tuchel's England squad comes as other celebrities, including David Beckham and ITV stars from Loose Women and Coronation Street, also sent well-wishes for the match against Norway in Miami.
