PHILLIP SCHOFIELD SET FOR TV COMEBACK AFTER CONTROVERSY
TV presenter Phillip Schofield could be making a return to the small screen, according to celebrity PR specialist Kayley Cornelius. Recent sightings and a return to Instagram have sparked speculation about Schofield’s future plans. Last weekend, he was spotted enjoying a four-hour dinner with Britain’s Got Talent host Declan Donnelly, leading to rumors of a potential TV comeback.
Cornelius believes that Schofield is using a strategy known as the “sprinkle, sprinkle method” to gauge public opinion. She predicts that he will make an appearance on the next season of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here. “After Phil’s controversy and the abrupt end to his This Morning career, it’s not surprising that he went into hiding for several months,” she said. “However, there are now signs that Phil could be teasing his return to the big screens, and it could be as soon as this year.”
One of the key indicators, according to Cornelius, is the increased public sightings of Schofield. While initially, the photos of him after his resignation seemed candid, recent paparazzi shots appear more calculated. “While I wouldn’t claim they’re staged, it’s clear that Phil’s team recognizes the importance of his public presence and interactions with celebrity friends in drawing press attention,” she explained.
Cornelius describes this approach as the “sprinkle, sprinkle” method in PR. It involves subtly reintroducing a concept, person, or product to an audience to gauge their reaction. “His recent sighting with Declan Donnelly could be a heavy hint that they met to discuss the potential of Phil’s return on this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity,” she suggested. “It could be a smart move if Phil is looking to continue his career in TV.”
However, Schofield will have to work on regaining the trust of his fans and viewers. “There’s no doubt that Phil has lost a lot of trust amongst his fans and viewers at home,” said Cornelius. “Going forward, it will be all about repairing his identity and regaining trust in people who may sit on the fence.”
Cornelius believes that returning to ITV would be a natural fit for Schofield, given his long-standing relationship with the network. She also suggests that he may not jump straight back into a presenting role, but rather take on a different position. “With reports of many bosses at the broadcast station still supporting him, he will probably feel more comfortable returning in an environment he feels supported in,” she added.
Phil’s team may be considering the ‘act as if nothing has happened’ approach, but the prolonged radio silence has left viewers in the dark. This could potentially worsen the situation and pose a crisis for both Phil and the TV station involved. However, positioning Phil in a more relaxed setting, like I’m A Celebrity, where he isn’t the main focus, could give him the chance to show a more vulnerable and lighthearted side. It serves as the perfect opportunity for him to rebuild public trust and kickstart his television career once again, according to Celebrity PR Specialist Kayley Cornelius at Betfred.
Since admitting to an affair with a much younger runner, Phil, 62, has been absent from the screens. This not only cost him his job, but also led to him leaving his family home. The revelation also destroyed his friendship with former co-host Holly Willoughby.
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