Phillip Schofield urged to ‘RETIRE’ as Kim Woodburn unleashes damning verdict on TV comeback: ‘Got cocky!

Phillip Schofield made a controversial return to screens last month after more than a year away from the public eye.

The former This Morning presenter admitted in May 2023 to having had an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger colleague, which led to his exit from ITV and saw the broadcaster stepping away from the limelight.

The scandal saw former co-star and pal Holly Willoughby, 43, addressing the public live on the daytime show, famously asking viewers “are you OK?” before explaining how she felt “shaken,” and “let down” in light of the admission.

The pair had worked together for years and were famously close before rumours began to swirl they’d had a “rift” ahead of Schofield’s admission.

The 62-year-old found himself at the centre of a social media storm and decided to avoid the public for a while, deleting his online accounts.

However, he made a shock return to Instagram earlier this year, making headlines as he introduced fans to his new dog, Alfie. He has kept comments switched off for the snaps though and mainly uses the platform to share updates on the cute pooch.

In a shock U-turn though, Schofield returned to TV in September when he joined Channel 5’s Cast Away.

The show saw him alone on a Madagascan island for 10 days, where he filmed himself as he reflected on his life and the past couple of years.

Schofield made a number of bombshell claims during the series, including a claim that he had been “sacked” from ITV for the actions of his brother, Timothy, who was jailed for 12 years in April 2023 for 11 sexual offences involving a child.

As the news broke, the daytime TV star said: “I no longer have a brother.”

The scandal prompted debate across the entertainment realm, with several speaking out to share their arguments on both sides.

Kim Woodburn, 82, is among the famous faces to have commented on the Schofield controversy at the time.

Speaking exclusively to GB News on behalf of WhichBingo, the former How Clean is Your House presenter made her feelings clear about Schofield’s TV comeback.

“I don’t think the way things have worked out, he’s not got any chance,” she said candidly.

She went on: “That’s only my personal view. And you know, as he himself said, he’s 62 he’s had a fantastic career for 41 years.

“What does he want? 41 years, top salary, and a good presenter. He was a very good presenter until he got cocky.”

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Woodburn, known for her honest responses, added: “He was a good presenter until about four or five years ago…

“Suddenly the head got bigger and bigger, and he thought he was playing God, but he has been a great presenter.

“I’ve watched him for years, but I don’t think people want him back on television.

“And I don’t think that island show did him any favours, in my opinion. I mean, retire at 62 with the millions you’ve made.”