Phillip Schofield Relationship with Matthew McGreevy The Full Story, Timeline & Aftermath

Few stories have shaken British television quite like the controversy surrounding Phillip Schofield and his relationship with Matthew McGreevy. For decades, Phillip Schofield was one of the most recognisable and trusted faces on British screens. His warm presenting style, his long-running tenure on ITV’s This Morning, and his co-presenting chemistry with Holly Willoughby made him a household staple. But in 2023, the curtain came down dramatically on a career that had spanned over four decades, when Phillip Schofield admitted to an affair with a younger male colleague — a man widely reported by British tabloids to be Matthew McGreevy, although that identification has never been officially confirmed by either party.

This article explores Phillip Schofield relationship with Matthew McGreevy, covers the full timeline of events, examines what happened to Phillip Schofield, looks at his personal life including his wife, partner, and his friendship with Holly Willoughby, and answers the burning question many people are still asking in 2026 — what is Phillip Schofield doing now?

Who Is Phillip Schofield?

Phillip Schofield is an English television presenter born on 1 April 1962 in Oldham, Lancashire. He moved to Newquay, Cornwall as a toddler, and his journey into broadcasting began at just 15 years old as a presenter on Hospital Radio Plymouth. After years of writing letters to the BBC, he secured his first professional role as a bookings clerk and tea boy at Broadcasting House in London — at the time, reportedly the youngest employee there.

At 19, Schofield moved with his family to New Zealand, where he made his television debut hosting the youth music show Shazam! in 1982. Returning to the UK in 1985, he became the first in-vision continuity announcer for Children’s BBC — “The Broom Cupboard” — introducing millions of young viewers to programmes alongside his beloved puppet Gordon the Gopher. He then presented Going Live! from 1987 to 1993, cementing himself as a beloved fixture of British children’s television. Andi Peters and Phillip Schofield share an indirect link through this era, as Andi Peters succeeded Phillip in The Broom Cupboard in 1989 and the two later worked together across various ITV productions.

By the early 1990s, Schofield had moved into adult television. He starred as Joseph in the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, earning strong critical praise. He also hosted Schofield’s Quest and a range of other ITV formats before landing his most defining role: co-host of This Morning from 2002 onwards. It was here that his partnership with Fern Britton — and later Holly Willoughby — turned him into a national television icon.

So, how old is Phillip Schofield? As of 2026, Phillip Schofield is 64 years old.

Phillip Schofield Net Worth — How Much Is He Worth?

Phillip Schofield’s net worth is estimated at around £9 million to £9.8 million (approximately $12 million USD), accumulated through more than four decades of work at the very top of British broadcasting. At the peak of his career, his annual salary at This Morning was reported to be as high as £700,000 per year, making him one of the highest-paid presenters in British daytime television. He also earned considerably from hosting Dancing on Ice and The Cube, as well as through brand deals, TV adverts for companies including We Buy Any Car, and his co-branded wine range with When In Rome — a collaboration that was quietly discontinued following the 2023 affair revelations.

For those wondering how much is Phillip Schofield worth today — while his earning power has significantly decreased following his departure from ITV, his accumulated wealth from decades of high-earning television work means he remains financially comfortable, even if his income stream from presenting has dried up considerably.

Phillip Schofield Wife — Is He Still Married?

Phillip Schofield met his wife, Stephanie Lowe, in the late 1980s when both were working in television — she was a production assistant at BBC Children’s TV while he was a familiar face in The Broom Cupboard. The couple married in March 1993 and went on to welcome two daughters, Molly (born 1993) and Ruby (born 1996).

In February 2020, Phillip Schofield came out as gay in an emotional Instagram statement, followed moments later by an appearance on This Morning where he spoke tearfully about his struggle with his sexuality. He described Stephanie as “the kindest soul I have ever met” and praised her incredible support through the revelation. At the time, the couple separated but reportedly remained on civil terms for the sake of their family.

Many people are still asking: is Phillip Schofield still married? And is Phillip Schofield still with his wife? As of the latest available information, Phillip Schofield and Stephanie Lowe have not divorced. The reasons behind Stephanie’s decision not to pursue divorce have not been publicly discussed in detail, though both parties have maintained a respectful public silence on the matter.

Is Phillip Schofield ill? There have been no confirmed reports of serious illness. However, in the aftermath of the 2023 affair scandal, Schofield has spoken about struggling with his mental health and the emotional toll the public fallout has taken on him.

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby — The Partnership That Defined an Era

For over a decade, Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were one of the most beloved on-screen duos in British television. Holly joined This Morning in 2009 after Fern Britton’s departure, and together Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield built a warm, witty presenting partnership that millions of viewers tuned in to watch every weekday morning. Schofield once described Holly as “the sister he never had,” and the two appeared inseparable — on and off screen.

Their friendship extended to joint hosting of Dancing on Ice, a show both presented from 2018 to 2023. The pair also appeared together at high-profile events, celebrity interviews, and industry awards. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby appeared to be entirely in sync, and their on-screen chemistry helped This Morning maintain its position as the dominant daytime television programme in the UK.

However, behind the scenes, cracks were beginning to show. Reports of tension between the two surfaced during the build-up to the 2023 revelations. The feud between Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield became a topic of intense public debate, and the Deputy Prime Minister even referenced it in the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions. Following Phillip’s admission and resignation, Holly Willoughby continued to present This Morning until she herself departed in October 2023.

As of 2025, Holly Willoughby has publicly distanced herself from the controversy and moved forward with her own career. The once-iconic Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby friendship has not been publicly repaired.

Phillip Schofield and Fern Britton — A Feud That Lasted Years

Long before the Matthew McGreevy story dominated headlines, Phillip Schofield had another well-known falling out with a former colleague — Fern Britton. Fern Britton and Phillip Schofield co-hosted This Morning together from 2002 until 2009, when Fern unexpectedly resigned from the show. She also pulled out of hosting the 2009 British Soap Awards alongside Schofield just two days later, fuelling immediate speculation about a falling out.

Rumours at the time suggested Fern left after discovering she was being paid significantly less than Phillip — reportedly just £15,000 per hour on All Star Mr & Mrs compared to Schofield’s £45,000 per hour. Fern later denied this was the primary reason, telling interviewers: “Something happened and I thought, ‘That’s it really’ and I walked away and resigned. I was treated pretty poorly, actually.”

In his 2020 memoir, Phillip recalled a specific argument over episode content in the make-up room: “I walked back into the make-up room and calmly said, ‘Please don’t do that to me again.’ I think, for whatever reason, that was the point Fern decided she didn’t want to do This Morning anymore.” He added that he was “heartbroken” that their friendship had “gone so sour.”

Fern confirmed in later interviews that the two no longer speak, and that she hadn’t spoken to Schofield in 15 years. The Fern Britton and Phillip Schofield relationship remains one of British daytime television’s most talked-about professional breakdowns.

Who Is Matthew McGreevy?

Matthew McGreevy was born on 21 March 1996 in Manchester, England. He began his career as a child actor, appearing in the children’s television series The Sparticle Mystery in 2011, and later had roles in productions including The Mill, Millie Inbetween, In the Flesh, and Banana. He later transitioned into a behind-the-scenes career in television production.

Unlike Phillip Schofield, Matthew McGreevy was not a public figure. He had a modest acting CV and an emerging career in TV production before his name became widely linked to one of the biggest celebrity scandals in recent British television history. Many details about his personal life remain private, and much of what has been reported about him in connection with the Schofield affair comes from tabloid sources rather than confirmed statements.

Phillip Schofield Relationship with Matthew McGreevy — How Did It Start?

The story of Phillip Schofield relationship with Matthew McGreevy begins some years before the affair became public. Their paths first crossed when McGreevy was connected to the 2Faced Theatre Company, a performing arts organisation where Schofield served as a patron. It was through this connection that a mentoring dynamic reportedly developed, with Schofield taking an interest in helping the young aspiring performer break into television.

In July 2014, when McGreevy was 18 years old, Phillip Schofield invited him to visit the This Morning studios. McGreevy later acknowledged the support publicly, describing Schofield as a mentor figure who helped him understand how television worked. In April 2016, with Schofield’s assistance, McGreevy landed a showrunner role on This Morning itself — securing a coveted position within one of ITV’s flagship productions.

For nearly four years, McGreevy worked on This Morning, during which time his connection with Schofield became the subject of increasing whispers within the industry. In January 2020, McGreevy left This Morning to work on a rival programme, Loose Women — a move that many interpreted as a sign the relationship had soured. Reports suggest McGreevy had expressed his feelings for Phillip in front of other ITV staff at an NTA awards event, and was removed from the This Morning party that evening.

The 2023 Admission — What Happened to Phillip Schofield?

In May 2023, the story that had been building for years finally broke into the open. Phillip Schofield released a statement via the Daily Mail in which he admitted: “I did have a consensual on-off relationship with a younger male colleague at This Morning. Contrary to speculation, whilst I met the man when he was a teenager and was asked to help him get into TV, it was only after he started to work on the show that it became more than a just a friendship. That relationship was unwise, but not illegal. It is now over.”

He went further: “I am painfully conscious that I have lied to my employers at ITV, to my colleagues and friends, to my agents, to the media and therefore the public and most importantly of all to my family. I am so very, very sorry.”

Schofield resigned from ITV with immediate effect. His talent agency YMU dropped him after representing him for 35 years. The Prince’s Trust removed him as an ambassador. ITV issued a statement saying they were “deeply disappointed by the admissions of deceit.” It was a swift and near-total professional collapse.

At no point in his public statement did Schofield name the individual involved. British tabloids including The Sun and the Daily Mail widely alleged the man was Matthew McGreevy. However, that identification has never been officially confirmed by either Phillip Schofield, Matthew McGreevy, or ITV. This distinction is important — while Schofield confirmed an affair, the identity of the person involved remains officially unverified.

What Did the ITV Investigation Find?

ITV launched an internal investigation into the situation. The investigation revealed that only one person within the organisation had been aware of the relationship at the time. ITV management had previously made efforts to look into rumours following a story published in The Sun in December 2019, but both parties reportedly denied the relationship during that earlier inquiry.

Following Schofield’s resignation and admission, ITV commissioned an external King’s Counsel review of how the matter was handled internally. Many ITV staff reportedly criticised the investigation, with some describing it as inadequate. In October 2023, ITV introduced a new policy requiring all workers — including staff, contractors, freelancers, and apprentices — to disclose any close personal relationships with colleagues, covering romantic partnerships, close friendships, family ties, and shared households.

Phillip Schofield’s Instagram and Public Presence Since the Scandal

Following his resignation, Phillip Schofield largely retreated from the public eye. His Phillip Schofield Instagram account has been used periodically — notably to document a Channel 5 survival series called Cast Away in 2024, where he was filmed alone on a remote island. The series received a mixed critical reception and was seen by some as an attempt at public rehabilitation.

He has given limited interviews in which he acknowledged making very bad judgements, expressed remorse for lying to those closest to him, and apologised to the man involved for “bringing problems to his life.” He asked the media to leave the man alone, stating he was “innocent.”

Where Does Phillip Schofield Live Now?

Phillip Schofield lives in Cornwall. After departing from his London-centric television life, he returned to the county where he grew up. Cornwall has long been associated with Schofield’s roots, and his retreat there marks a significant shift from the daily grind of broadcasting that had defined his life for over four decades.

What Is Phillip Schofield Doing Now in 2026?

This is a question many fans and curious viewers are still searching for. What is Phillip Schofield doing now in 2026?

The answer is a quiet one. Schofield has no confirmed broadcasting projects for 2025 or 2026. His sole broadcast return since leaving ITV was the 2024 Channel 5 series Cast Away, which represented a limited engagement rather than a sustained television comeback. PR experts have noted that a return to mainstream television is unlikely — particularly at ITV, where industry sources suggest a comeback is essentially off the table due to the reputational risks involved for the network.

Where is Phillip Schofield now? He continues to live in Cornwall, maintains an occasional presence on social media, and appears to be living a much quieter life than the one that had him in millions of living rooms every weekday morning for over two decades.

What does Phillip Schofield do now? Beyond his social media activity and occasional public appearances, no confirmed professional projects have been announced. Some media analysts have suggested that podcasting or digital platforms could offer a path forward, but no announcements have been made.

Is Hugh Schofield Related to Phillip Schofield?

This is a question that crops up online with surprising regularity, so it’s worth addressing clearly. Hugh Schofield is the BBC’s Paris Correspondent, born in Cardiff in 1961. He is a respected journalist who has reported for the BBC across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Hugh Schofield is not related to Phillip Schofield. The two men share only a surname — there is no family connection between them.

Impact on Matthew McGreevy

Since the story broke, Matthew McGreevy has remained entirely silent. He has not given interviews, has not released public statements, and has largely withdrawn from both television and the public sphere. His acting credits effectively ceased after his name became linked to the controversy. His current professional status is not publicly known. Speculation has existed about whether any form of legal arrangement prevents him from speaking publicly, though this has never been confirmed.

Key Facts vs. Speculation — Setting the Record Straight

It is important, when discussing this topic, to separate what is confirmed from what remains in the realm of speculation.

Confirmed facts: Phillip Schofield admitted a consensual affair with a younger male colleague from This Morning. He lied to ITV, his management, his family, and the media about the relationship. He resigned from ITV in May 2023. He described the relationship as “unwise but not illegal.”

Unconfirmed: The specific identity of the younger man as Matthew McGreevy has never been officially confirmed. The precise timeline of when the personal relationship began has not been officially established. Whether any non-disclosure agreements exist remains unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The story of Phillip Schofield relationship with Matthew McGreevy became far more than a celebrity affair. It evolved into a national conversation about workplace ethics, power dynamics, transparency, and what institutions like ITV owe their employees. It also raised deeply human questions about personal struggle, identity, and the cost of keeping secrets — for everyone involved.

Phillip Schofield’s career, once among the most celebrated in British television, ended not with applause but with a painful and very public reckoning. Matthew McGreevy, a young man who stepped into the television world with ambition and hope, found his own name attached to a story that eclipsed everything else he had done or sought to do.

The full truth of their relationship remains only partially known. What is beyond doubt is that the story changed British television permanently — and that for both men, life has looked very different since 2023.

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