Philip Schofield interview on BBC News/iplayer now.

[JeandeServiette]

Anyone else watching?

I wasn't supposed to be up this early but what the heck.

'If age-gap isn't unusual (it isn't: see Stephen Fry, Paul O' Grady, Paul Gambaccini's spouses) AND him and the runner have remained friends/parted amicably...why no statement from the runner or joint statement from them both saying it was a mutual FWB thing?'

Why is the power influence/age thing irrelevant with gay men, I don't get it how it's minimised and accepted.

I wonder whether the runner is singing from the same song sheet as Schofield behind the scenes, PS's sycophantic 'he is a brilliant runner' 'he is so talented' 'all my fault' bleating seemed a plea to not say anything more. Buttering him up if you like.

Anyone watching Nicky Campbell? Interesting to see him draw comparisons to Cheryl Tweedy and Liam Payne, in light of PS’ comments about people not being as shocked if it were a heterosexual relationship.

I don't think it's anything to do with Liam and Cheryl being heterosexual, I think it's to do with the woman in the couple being older. Older women/younger man relationships aren't viewed in the same way as ones involving older men and younger men/women.

Because it's not just about PS, it's about ITV and the way they've covered all this up, and why have they covered it up? And what else is going on at ITV to protect their talent - what are all these family friendly celebs really at behind the scenes? Don't forget there's the whole situation with schofields brother too.

I felt for Dermot, who was close to Caroline Flack, when this interview was discussed on TM earlier. Having her dragged into the sorry saga is disappointing.
And the curve ball at the end of the interview- he was contacted with words of support by a very prominent figure…

TM needs a revamp for the autumn with two new host from the north of England for a change their are some amazing broadcasters in the north.

I wonder whether the runner is singing from the same song sheet as Schofield behind the scenes, PS's sycophantic 'he is a brilliant runner' 'he is sotalented' 'all my fault' bleating seemed a plea to not say anything more. Buttering him up if you like.

I found this very strange! I was a runner on big TV shows in the 1990s in my early 20s. Runner isn't a 'career' - it's a foot in the door, it's how you start out in TV and believe me you are the lowest of the low in the pecking order. Nobody describes you as a 'brilliant' or 'talented' runner. You need to be organised and get people through make-up and costume and on to the studio floor in time.
It's bizarre!

And I can say with some authority that (certainly in the time I was doing it) the talent was completely lauded and untouchable... and completely had the ability to get people on or removed from shows!

Dermot has looked thoroughly fucked off all week. Surprised he hasn't jacked it in, he's a well known and experienced presenter with a good reputation, he doesn't need to be mired in the middle of that crap.

You mean, like the original This Morning that was broadcast from Liverpool with Richard and Judy (two northern journalists)? Just don’t look up what happened to the bloke who famously jumped around on a weather map

I watched the BBC interview. It was clear as day to me that Schofield was trying to silence MM by using emotional blackmail (threats of suicide, repeating it was consensual and legal). Maybe a last ditch attempt to do so before MM tells his side of the story. The papers must be offering big money to the young man.

How weird that PS is paying for the young man's lawyer. Seems all kinds of conflicts of interests. I know that lawyers will be protecting him from the media but even so just seems odd.

NeedToThinkOfOne

I did not realise that there are only two broadcasters in the north.

The papers must be offering big money to the young man.

urgh, I’m sure, no duty of care as far as the tabloids are concerned.

ITV should be paying for the young man's lawyer, it doesn't look good that Schofield is.

@Icedlatteplease well neither do I obviously. I was just adding to your post. No point me going over the same things you have already said was there?

@MeinKraft now Victoria Derbyshire is tweeting that Caroline Flack’s mum is due on Newsnight.
You’re right, Dermot does look uncomfortable.
On a lighter note, love your user name.

Yes. He emphasized that they have both stated in legal papers that it was consensual. Now why the need to emphasize it if it was a complete non-issue?

Watching it now. It's so weird to do this. I can't think of anyone who did this and came out well (Barrymore? Prince A?)

And it's either honourable or super controlling to pay the legal fees. I can't decide what I think.
I do feel it's time to let it go, the runner hasn't asked for this and will always be a part of any dialogue.

I wondered the same...

If he is paying the fees then he is outlining his expectations on behalf of both of them. It creates a layer of independence so the lawyer could make MM sign an NDA but PS can still maintain that he hasn't done this. The lawyer can provide finances to MM (effectively pay him to be silent) but PS can still say that he hasn't done that either.

This 💯

Not sure why he says he says he's devastated and lost everything. He's loaded - doesn't need to work another day in his life. Could retire to a beautiful Greek island and shut the fuck up and no wife to worry about. Luxury.

I thought that it sounded odd when he said that. He's definitely trying to keep MM under control isn't he.

Not rtft but has anyone else noticed how every time he tells a bare faced lie he exclaims 'no! God, no!' Christ alive, he normally treats runners like shit, why would he have bent over backwards for MM if he wasn't planning on shagging him?

This
He us obviously worried about what MM will reveal.
It is all about control.
PS is a pathetic little weasel