It seemed a perfect way to celebrate a birthday as a husband and his wife stepped out on a bright spring morning, each carrying an adorable puppy in their arms.
But for Phillip Schofield – who turned 62 on Easter Monday – there was no disguising the pained expression on his face as he continued to pick up the pieces of his shattered life.
At his side was loyal wife Stephanie Lowe – the former couple pictured together again just days after their 31st wedding anniversary.
They split up four years ago after Schofield publicly announced he was gay.
Yet the couple remain married and Stephanie has stood by the fallen star in a remarkable show of devotion despite the devastating betrayal which would lead to her husband’s downfall.
Then days after his departure last May, Schofield admitted to a relationship with a much younger male colleague and having lied about it to bosses – as well as his loved ones
Phillip Schofield pictured with his wife Stephanie Lowe carrying puppies on his birthday
At present both he and Stephanie appear to have their hands full as they share the joys of looking after their matching chocolate brown cockapoo puppies
At his side was loyal wife Stephanie Lowe – the former couple pictured together again just days after their 31st wedding anniversary
Just 12 months ago Schofield was riding high as one of Britain’s highest profile TV celebrities earning £730,000-a-year for fronting This Morning alongside Holly Willoughby and worth a reputed £10 million.
In a well-publicised fall from grace, Schofield’s world fell apart overnight when he dramatically stood down from the popular daytime show after 21 years.
It came amid growing tensions between the presenters, who had faced criticism after skipping a 20-hour queue to visit the late Queen’s lying in state, followed by reports of a growing rift between them. Schofield had just returned to the sofa after taking time off air as his younger brother Timothy, a civilian police worker, was convicted then jailed for a string of sex offences against a young boy.
Then days after his departure last May, Schofield admitted to a relationship with a much younger male colleague and having lied about it to bosses – as well as his loved ones.
In the aftermath of the scandal Schofield – who had also presented Dancing on Ice with Willoughby and racked up a series of lucrative advertising deals – was dropped as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust.
In an emotional TV interview Schofield admitted he had made ‘a grave error’ which had led to the end of his career.
He told the BBC: ‘I have to talk about television in the past tense, which breaks my heart. I have lost everything.
Phillip Schofield and his wife Stephanie Lowe at a English National Opera’s press night
They split up four years ago after Schofield publicly announced he was gay
‘What am I going to do with my days? I see nothing ahead of me but blackness, and sadness, and regret, and remorse, and guilt. I did something very wrong, and then I lied about it consistently.’
For Schofield it was the heartache he put Steph, 60, and their daughters Molly, 30, and Ruby, 27, through which seemed hardest to explain.
He said: ‘I had a wonderful marriage, have a wonderful marriage, although it’s not brilliant right now, with an incredibly supportive wife and two wonderful children.’
Significantly, Schofield, continued to wear his wedding ring during the interview while confirming he and Stephanie ‘are separated but we are very much together.’
Describing the moment he confessed the affair to his wife he said: ‘Let’s just say it was an incredibly difficult conversation. The most difficult conversation I’ve ever had to have with her, and she is extremely disappointed because I lied to her as well.’
Three years earlier, in February 2020, Schofield praised his ‘remarkable’ wife after he announced his sexuality live from the This Morning sofa.
He admitted after the revelation, that he knew he was gay when he tied the knot with Stephanie.
But he told how he had been leading the ‘perfect life’ as a married family man and said he hadn’t wanted anything to get in the way of their happiness.
Schofield said: ‘Whatever was ”there” I thought, ”OK, whatever this is, you stay back because I am happy’.’
He added of his wife: ‘Steph is my closest confidante. She’s been amazing. I have no secrets from Steph.
Holly replaced Fern in 2009 and the pair became great friends. She went on to quit the show last October with Cat Deeley and Ben Shepherd stepping in as their full time replacements
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby hug as he comes out as gay on This Morning
‘We have been very truthful and honest. She has known for a while. When you live with someone, you know these things, don’t you?
‘We sat down and we talked and then she left me to have space. I don’t know what it would have been like if I had a different person in my life.
‘It has been a process, we started having discussions and it was gradual. There is no question she is a truly remarkable person – the kindest, sweetest soul I could have possibly met.’
Schofield said he knew he had caused his wife great pain saying: ‘That is what makes this so hard. Knowing you are hurting the perfect person but I still love Steph as much as when we first met. More, probably.’
He added in an Instagram post: ‘Steph has been incredible – I love her so very much.
‘Both mine and Steph’s entire families have stunned me with their love, instant acceptance and support. Of course, they are worried about Steph, but I know they will scoop us both up.’
Issuing her own heartfelt statement, Stephanie said she supported her husband’s ‘brave step’.
She wrote: ‘We have had to face the most emotionally painful time in our 27 years of marriage. I love Phillip, as much today as I ever have, and always will.’
Despite their separation, Schofield and his wife remained close and in April last year even attended television star Leigh Francis’s 50th birthday party together.
When the affair emerged weeks later Stephanie was said to be both furious and devastated.
Friends said she had no idea he was in a relationship because Schofield had always described the man as a friend and colleague.
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby ‘Dancing On Ice’, February 2023
Schofield has rarely been seen in public since the scandal unfolded and has apparently been splitting his time between his London home and a bolthole in Cornwall as well as visiting the former family home in Oxfordshire.
Schofield and Stephanie were photographed out and about with daughter Molly last November and it was reported they were all planning to spend Christmas together as a family.
Last month it was reported that Stephanie had chosen not to file for divorce as she still loved Schofield.
A source told OK! Magazine: ‘Whatever Phillip has done behind Steph’s back, she still loves him. Even if the love they shared in the beginning of their marriage is different to what it is now, the love is still very much there.
‘Steph is, and always will be, Phillip’s support system. She hasn’t divorced him because she doesn’t want to see him fall any further.
‘Phil has caused his wife a lot of hurt in recent times. But there’s no denying, they still have a great friendship and share a lot of love.’
Schofield, who was born in Oldham, worked as a tea boy for the BBC before beginning his broadcasting career in 1982 working in TV and radio in New Zealand.
He returned to the UK to work for the BBC – where his enduring relationship with Stephanie began.
A fresh-faced Schofield was working on children’s television where Stephanie was a BBC production assistant.
They had a fairytale wedding at the 15th century castle Ackergill Tower in the Highlands.
The presenter went on to host ITV shows including Schofield’s Quest before landing the role as This Morning presenter in 2002 with Fern Britton.
Holly then replaced Fern in 2009 and the pair became great friends. She went on to quit the show last October with Cat Deeley and Ben Shepherd stepping in as their full time replacements last month.
Friends have told how Schofield has said recently that he has been down and trying to find ‘fulfilling’ ways to enjoy life away from the limelight.
While he is ‘quite certain’ he will never work again he has been tipped for a return to his ‘first love’ of radio broadcasting.
At present both he and Stephanie appear to have their hands full as they share the joys of looking after their matching chocolate brown cockapoo puppies which are thought to come from the same litter.
And whatever the future holds it seems almost certain Stephanie will be backing Schofield all the way.