Embarrassed former This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield cut a somber figure as he walked his puppy in west London on Monday as the new presenters made their debut.

Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard launched the new era of the ITV daytime product after the pair were revealed as the new additions last month following weeks of speculation.

The future of the ITV show was thrown into chaos after its star presenter was forced to resign in May and Holly Willoughby made her shock departure in October.

As the show entered a new chapter, Phillip kept a straight face as he enjoyed a walk with his new dog.

The former presenter dressed in a dark padded jacket with a cream-colored fluffy collar while keeping it casual in jeans.

It comes five months after the broadcast bowed out of the spotlight after an affair with a much younger man who worked with him on This Morning, leading to his departure after more than twenty years on the show.

After much speculation about his private life, his affair finally became public and he admitted he had been left ‘broken and ashamed’ but insisted he was not a groomer.

He said the affair “never came across” as an abuse of power because he and his lover were “buddies.” He told The Sun: “I was unprofessional once in a 41-year career. There is no excuse. No one has done anything wrong except me.”

In his first interview since leaving the broadcaster and This Morning, the presenter said: ‘I didn’t do that, I didn’t do that [groom him].

‘There are accusations of all kinds of things. It never came across that way because we became friends. I do not know. But of course I understand that there will be a mass judgment, but keeping that in mind, I have never done that before.’

It has emerged since then He paid his much younger lover keep quiet about their relationship.

Schofield paid his former colleague, who is 34 years his junior, a six-figure sum to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that prevents him from talking about their affair.

The TV presenter has been in the wilderness since he admitted the affair and lied to his ITV employers in an extraordinary mea culpa to the Mail last May.

A lawyer acting for the former This Morning presenter has now confirmed that a deal was signed with his former lover last year, including a ‘mutual confidentiality clause’ and a payment to compensate the man for the losses suffered.

The man was just 15 when he met Schofield, who helped him land a coveted job as a runner on This Morning at the age of 19.

A romantic relationship between the pair began when the man was in his 20s, after which he moved to another ITV daytime show, Loose Women. He later left the channel with a separate payout.

Despite the clause preventing either party from talking about the affair, Schofield revealed intimate details of their relationship when interviewed by the BBC’s Amol Rajan last June.

A source familiar with the NDA told The Mail on Sunday: “The young man has been vulnerable for some time. That’s no secret.

“Several matters were paid for following Phillip’s decision to speak out about his relationship and as part of this a non-disclosure agreement was drawn up and signed.

‘It means Phil knows his young ex will never be able to talk about their relationships again, which means he can probably sleep a lot better now.

‘He [Schofield] has lost a lot, but imagine if the full details were to become known – that would be quite disastrous for him.

‘As for the young man, let’s hope he can now move on with his life and rebuild it – but that’s not easy.

‘And it’s a bit of an exaggeration to present an NDA after Phil had his say at the BBC last year.’

The man – referred to only as Person

New presenters Cat and Ben said they were ‘so excited’ when they finally made their debut on Monday.

During the show’s opening moments, Cat said: “We’re so excited to be here, this show has been part of our lives for so long.”

Ben, who left Good Morning Britain last month after ten years, added: “Everyone has been so lovely. thanks to everyone who sent us messages of support.’

Cat and Ben also received messages of support from some of their famous friends, with Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly sharing a sweet tribute to their former SMTV co-host.

Ant said, “Kat, Ben, good luck!” while Dec continued: ‘Have the best time! You’re going to be amazing, we can’t wait to watch.”

Noting their wild parties during the heyday of their children’s telly, Ant said: ‘A little bit of advice for Ben about Cat, because we’ve worked with Cat and she may be very sweet and light, but that girl can party! Don’t think she can’t do that.’

Declan added: ‘Keep a lock on the drinks cupboard.’

Back in the studio, Cat admitted with a smile on her face, “Look, my motto in life is work hard, play hard.”

Cat went on to reveal: ‘Well, actually Ben, I actually got a little word of warning about you too – from one of your best friends, check it out!’ Before the clip played, Ben joked: “That’s even more worrying when it’s from one of my friends!”

Viewers then heard Chris Kamara, affectionately known to many as Kammy, say: ‘Let me tell you Cat, he’s like a bear with a sore head when West Ham get beaten and the rest of the time he’s just miserable!

“I’m just kidding, let me tell you that Cat was one of the best things that happened to me and I’m sure you’ll see that, and vice versa of course. Good luck to both of you, I think you’re going to screw it up.’

Ben said, “Aww Kammy! He never manages to move me, that man. On Sundays we often woke up together on Sky… You have to learn that! But thank you Kammy for that message.’

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield's permanent replacements on This Morning have finally been revealed, it has been reported.

The presenters, 42 and 61, both left the ITV daytime show last year and a rotating group of stars have been at the helm since then.

But now a new report suggests that Cat Deeley – who guest presented last November – and Good Morning Britain's Ben Shephard will take over from Monday to Thursday.

It has been reported that their launch photos will be shot ahead of the official announcement later this month, along with new promotions for the show.

A source said The mirror: 'The cat is out of the bag – they are the new dream team. ITV plans to announce Cat and Ben as their new star couple in March.

'It's clear that Ben is known and loved by the ITV daytime audience, thanks to his many years on the breakfast sofa. Cat is also a very recognizable face, thanks to her long stint in children's television, although she has lived in the US for quite some time.

'People were very impressed with her guest presentation last year with Rylan and luckily the timing all worked out well. Everyone is excited.'

It comes after it was reported late last year that Cat had 'rejected' the job offer.

Cat, Ben and ITV have been contacted by MailOnline for further comment.

It looks like Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond will continue as the show's regular presenters on Fridays and school holidays.

It comes after Holly left the show last October 'for the sake of her family' after discovering she was the target of a foiled kidnap and murder plot and has not been permanently replaced since.

It came five months after Philip Schofield's departure after his affair with a young male showrunner was made public, followed by claims of an increasingly strained relationship with his co-host.

Cat, 47, – who is married to fellow presenter Patrick Kielty – started her career as co-presenter of ITV children's show SMTV Live, for which she won a BAFTA Children's Award, and its spin-off chart-topping show CD:UK.

Meanwhile, Ben, 49, joined GMB in 2014 and has been with them ever since and is one of their most loved stars.

It comes after it was claimed earlier this week that This Morning staff were 'furious' that a permanent presenting team has not yet been put in place since Holly and Phillip's departure from the show last year.

Alison and Dermot, and Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle are fronting the show for now, while Sian Welby and Rochelle Humes have also appeared.

It was previously claimed that Alison was a front-runner for the regular spot, but she refused to focus on other projects and is said to be backing Josie for the job.

It comes after Sian Welby impressed viewers when she took over at Dermot last week.

A source told the Mail: 'Sian has done a fantastic job and everyone absolutely adores her.

“She's a huge breath of fresh air, she's come along and amazed everyone. She has been a joy to watch for viewers, as well as editor Martin Frizell and other show executives, and they believe she has the ability to grow and grow in the show and become the next Holly.

'We can't forget that Holly once looked like her and look what happened to her: she was the host for 14 years.

'Martin and Emma both agree that she has everything it takes to be a star, it's really exciting and she is now completely in pole position for the job.

'Sian is seen as much better than some of the presenters who have presented the show in recent months.'

Meanwhile, Holly is reportedly being eyed for presenting roles in the US after returning to British screens.

The TV presenter returned to the airwaves on Dancing On Ice this month.

It's now claimed she could head to America for work, and the star hopes this will also boost her lifestyle brand.

An insider said The sun: “Holly is a free agent and for the first time in years she is free to be courted by these massive streaming platforms.

“A number of US networks and production companies have been interested in her for some time and she has attracted the attention of some major brands.

'She has real star appeal and is not only glamorous but also a polished professional in front of the camera. It's an exciting time in her career.”

It is claimed that Holly hopes to use any increase in fame in the United States to promote her lifestyle brand Wylde Moon, which has been likened to Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop.

The source added: 'Holly has made no secret of the fact that she follows Gwyneth Paltrow's brand model. Launching itself in the United States could make these dreams a reality.”

MailOnline contacted a representative for Holly for comment.

Holly Willoughby is ‘struggling’ alongside her Dancing On Ice co-host Stephen Mulhern, it has been claimed.

Television presenter Holly, 42, returned to she show earlier this month after quitting This Morning in October last year amid a plot to kidnap and murder her.

She previously hosted the show alongside Phillip Schofield but he stepped down from all his presenting appointments after admitting to an affair with a younger This Morning colleague in May last year.

On Holly’s Dancing On Ice return, body language expert Darren Stanton told the Mirror: ‘Stephen Mulhern is a confident professional, he is effortless in his presentation. With Holly, there seems to be an inauthenticity, the smiles she gives Stephen are masking smiles, and they aren’t genuine emotions.

‘She is still on point and professional with her delivery but we aren’t seeing the level of connection that she had with Phil. They were the strongest presenting duo in the country, they were telepathic with each other and we don’t see that with Stephen and Holly.

‘They are getting on but we don’t see the same spark. A lot of Holly’s smiles and funnier moments seem to be staged, she doesn’t seem as authentic as she was on This Morning where she was known for her outburst of laughter, I think she has lost that effortlessness. Stephen is business as usual and I think without his level of professionalism she would struggle.’

An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Holly and Stephen are a great pairing.’ 

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Holly for comment.

Dancing On Ice viewers took to social media to express their opinion on Holly’s return to the show alongside Stephen, with some unimpressed while others were delighted to see her back on screens. 

One person wrote on Twitter: ‘Absolutely no chemistry between Holly and Stephen. Very clunky, awkward presenting. Stephen trying too hard. Holly looking like she can’t be arsed. Cringe.’

While someone else shared: ‘Underwhelming. Holly looked dead behind the eyes. Appeared like she didn’t want to be there while Stephen Mulhern was like an excited puppy.’

‘Holly and Stephen are trying too hard. it’s cringe,’ remarked someone else.

While another viewer remarked: ‘Stephen is hilarious & Holly… well she’s there… unfortunately.’

Someone else posted: ‘I can’t see Stephen Mulhern coming back next series, actually I will be surprised to see him back next week, the partnership between him & Holly just hasn’t worked at all tonight, the judges were on form tonight though, Stephen Mulhern has been awful.’ 

And another viewer wrote: ‘So lovely to see Holly back on the box. Your beautiful face has been missed. Welcome back. What a great job from Stephen Mulhern. Such a brilliant replacement.’

While someone else wrote: ‘Holly is much better with Stephen Mulhern. She can actually speak for a start.’

‘For the first time in years I’ve actually enjoyed #DancingOnIce! Stephen and Holly work well together and some of the skaters have real potential,’ wrote another show fan.

And someone else posted: ‘Enjoyed Stephen Mulhern as a presenter on #DancingOnIce alongside Holly. Brought some fresh energy to the show!’

‘So nice to see Holly and Stephen back together again presenting #DancingOnIce. People are always gonna have their own opinions but personally I like them both, brings back memories of watching MoM as a kid. Just wish the haters would wheesht,’ wrote another viewer.

While someone else shared: ‘Great to see Holly back and the gift that keeps on giving the fantastic Stephen Mulheron. He’s brought more life back into the presenting of this show than ever before.’

Holly made her hotly-anticipated return to television screens earlier this month during the Dancing On Ice launch show after more than three months off air following an alleged plot to kidnap her.

And according to insiders, the presenter’s triumphant appearance on the skating show was fuelled by a pact to ‘bring back the fun’ with her new co-host Stephen Mulhern from their children’s TV presenting days.

A source has now told The Sun: ‘Holly thrives on live telly and no more so than in those madcap days splurging slime and reacting to live chaos when she and Stephen first began on Ministry of Mayhem.

‘They’ve talked about finding that same fun tone for Dancing on Ice and Holly sees this as a great way to embrace this big moment.

‘This is incredibly important to her but they both think recapturing the free-and-easy tone of their early days is the way to go. She wants to lean on the strength of their past as she looks to the future.’ 

The a different insider claimed that Holly and the team prepared for the show by getting together for a chicken roast dinner before the live programme.

Stephen has stepped in to replace Holly’s former co-host Phillip Schofield, who a source suggested wouldn’t be tuning in to the show. 

Holly’s return to the limelight comes almost three months after she stepped down from her hosting role on This Morning after she learned of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her. 

MailOnline exclusively revealed last month that Holly would be returning to the show after quitting This Morning.

Taking to Instagram an hour before the ITV skating show aired, Holly confidently wrote alongside her snap: ‘Let’s do this one sequin at a time’.

Holly signed a deal over Christmas after weeks of deliberating over whether to present the show, and is said to be ‘excited’ about to getting back to work on the show that she previously hosted with her former friend Phillip.

An ITV insider told MailOnline: ‘Holly is a star and everyone was so very much hoping that she would decide to come back.

‘After many discussions and a lot of thought, she thought that getting some normality into her life would be a good thing.

‘There are obvious worries about going on live television, her main priority is her family, ITV have been hugely understanding and have not put any pressure on her at all.

‘They wanted to give her all of the time she needed but it has been a rough decision for her. Time was ticking but the bosses were trying to remain calm.’

Dancing On Ice host Holly Willoughby apologised in case she accidentally said a ‘naughty word’ at the start of Sunday’s Dancing On Ice.

After a few celebrities had performed, she said of an interaction with her co-host Stephen Mulhern: ‘A little bit earlier on, Stephen may have made me jump and I think it might have sounded like a naughty word slipped out.

‘I don’t think I did but I’m sorry if that’s what you thought you might have heard but I don’t think I did.

‘I’ll watch it back on ITV Player because that’s where you can watch these things back.’

She went on to blame Stephen for the possible mishap, insisting it was his fault for ‘being so naughty’.

Fans of the show took to social media after hearing Holly seemingly turn the air blue.

One person wrote on Twitter: ‘Swear Holly just called Stephen a f**ker.’

While someone else asked: ‘Did Holly just swear on Dancing on Ice?’

Someone else posted: ‘*GASPS* Did Holly just swear when @StephenMulhern shouted Boo to her?’

Another show fan asked: ‘Did Holly just say a naughty word f**ker?’

While someone else questioned: ‘Did Holly just use the f word??’

‘Hang on did I miss Holly swearing,’ queried another viewer at home.

And someone else commented: ‘People saying Holly was swearing but here’s me who didn’t hear a thing.’ 

Holly looked sensational as she returned to screens for the latest instalment of Dancing On Ice on Sunday.

The television presenter, 42, put on a busty display as she wore a £1,800 black velvet maxi dress with white bows and cut out detail by Rasario.

Broadcaster Holly’s garment featured a front split which left her legs on show and she wore a pair of black Jimmy Choo heels to complete her look.

Holly took to her Instagram page to share a snap of herself before this weekend’s live Movie Week episode aired.

She captioned her post: ‘Let’s go to the Movies… it’s movie week on @dancingonice… You are in for a treat! See you soon. Dress by @rasario, shoes by @jimmychoo, jewellery by @susannahlovisjewellers.’

It comes after it was reported Holly is being eyed-up for presenting roles in the US after making her way back on to UK screens.

The TV host quit her regular job on This Morning last year amid a plot to kidnap and murder her but she returned to the airwaves this month on Dancing On Ice.

It is now claimed she could head over to America for work, with the star hopeful it will also boost her lifestyle brand. 

An insider told The Sun: ‘Holly’s a free agent and for the first time in years she’s free to be courted by these huge streaming platforms.

‘A number of US networks and production companies have been interested in her for a while and she’s caught the attention of some major brands.

‘She has true star pulling power and as well as being glamorous she is a polished professional in front of the camera. It’s an exciting time in her career.’

It is claimed Holly is hoping to use any boost of exposure in the United States to push her lifestyle brand Wylde Moon, which has been compared to Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop.

The source added: ‘Holly has made it no secret that she is following the Gwyneth Paltrow brand model. Launching herself Stateside could make those dreams a reality.’

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Holly for comment.

It comes after it was reported Holly is in the running to host a new jungle-based show with Bear Grylls for Netflix.

It is claimed Holly has been approached about fronting the series which will see celebrity contestants pitted against survival expert Bear.

A source told The Sun: ‘A group of celebrities will be put into a jungle where they will have to tackle a series of challenges.

‘If they lose, they’ll have to pit their wits against Bear, who will be hunting them down.

‘It’s a really exciting concept and Bear is totally on board. Now they have Holly in their sights to host it.’

The insider added that Holly is open to offers but will be ‘carefully cherry-picking’ her next projects after stepping down from This Morning in October last year and returning to Dancing On Ice earlier this month.

Holly recently shared an inspirational post about not letting ‘fear rule you’ after making her TV comeback on Dancing On Ice earlier this month. 

She had been absent from screens for nearly three months before returning to co-host the ITV skating competition alongside Stephen Mulhern.

Her return comes after Holly had a break from TV after quitting This Morning in October after she learned of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her. 

Taking to Instagram, Holly’s lifestyle brand Wylde Moon shared an post about standing strong when faced with our fears and loving yourself. 

Posting a picture of a full moon, it read: ‘What the Full ‘Wolf Moon in fierce Leo tells us is not to let fear or rejection rule decisions.  

‘She encourages you to remember who you truly are to love yourself and to channel that love back out into the world, for now is the time to be unapologetically you.’

It finished: ‘Embrace. Supercharge. Radiate.’ 

Alongside the image, Holly’s lifestyle brand wrote: ‘It’s time to welcome the first Full Moon of the year. 

‘When the Wolf Moon meets Leo’s vibrant energy, it brings a surge of passion and self-expression.’ 

Before her return to Dancing On Ice alongside her new co-host Stephen, who has replaced Phillip Schofield, Holly had been absent from screens ever since she left This Morning in October after 14 years on the sofa.

She quit the show after an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her emerged, which followed Phillip Schofield leaving ITV after his affair with a younger show runner came to light.

Gavin Plumb, 36, has pleaded not guilty to charges of soliciting murder and incitement to commit kidnap the former This Morning host. The security guard will remain behind bars after being denied bail.

During a short hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Gavin Plumb, from Harlow, Essex, who was not present, was refused a bail application. He has a trial date fixed for June 24 next year.

By Freddy Pawle and Charlotte Karp for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 00:55 EST, January 28, 2024 | Updated: 02:23 EST, January 28, 2024

Phillip Schofield looked relaxed and happy as he stepped out for the first time since Dancing On Ice returned to screens.

The 61-year-old star quit presenting the show alongside his best friend Holly Willoughby following his departure from This Morning in May last year when his 'ill-advised but not illegal' affair with a younger colleague was made public.

Earlier this month, DOI returned with Holly, 42, at the helm alongside Phillip's replacement Stephen Mulhurn, 46, but it has been reported that the disgraced TV star has not tuned in as he is 'bruised' by his absence.

During his outing on Thursday, Phillip went to a local shop, which he left laughing and grinning wildly at a rare sighting of the star.

According to The Sun, a source said: 'Phil is still bruised by the whole row with Holly and the way it was played out publicly. He still can't bring himself to watch This Morning and even listening to the theme song is very triggering.

'It seems unlikely he'll be eagerly tuning in for Holly's return to TV. Phil wants to move on and live a quiet life away from the spotlight while he tries to rebuild.

“He offered his support when the terrible kidnapping news broke, but it's clear they haven't been in touch since, so he probably didn't speak to Holly prior to her return to the DOI.”

Phillip has been out of the spotlight in recent months since his affair scandal in May, which led to his departure from This Morning after more than two decades on the show.

After much speculation about his private life, his affair finally became public and he admitted he had been left 'broken and ashamed' but insisted he was not a groomer.

He said the affair “never came across” as an abuse of power because he and his lover were “buddies.” He told The Sun: “I was unprofessional once in a 41-year career. There is no excuse. No one has done anything wrong except me.”

In his first interview since leaving the broadcaster and This Morning, the 61-year-old presenter said: 'I didn't do that, I didn't [groom him].

'There are accusations of all kinds of things. It never came across that way because we became friends. I do not know. But of course I understand that there will be a mass judgment, but keeping that in mind, I have never done that before.'

Following the scandal, he also resigned from Dancing On Ice, where he hosted from 2006 to 2014, before resuming in 2018 until his departure last year.

After much speculation about his replacement, Stephen was revealed earlier this month, with viewers praising the Catchphrase presenter for his debut appearance as regular co-host alongside Holly when the 2024 series launched.

Opening the much-talked-about show, Holly told ITV viewers: 'We're off!', before asking fans to give her new co-host a warm welcome, adding: 'And can we give Stephen Mulhern a warm welcome too? to welcome!'

Fans of the show took to social media to praise the pair, with many crediting Stephen for bringing “fresh energy” and injecting “real fun” into the episode.

One person wrote on Twitter: 'Enjoyed Stephen Mulhern as presenter on #DancingOnIce alongside Holly. Brought some fresh energy to the show!'

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