Phillip Schofield breaks silence as he returns to This Morning after brother’s child sex-abuse conviction

PHILLIP Schofield has broken his silence after returning to host This Morning for the first time since his brother was convicted of child sex abuse.

He was set to be reunited with his co-star Holly Willoughby – but she is off sick suffering from shingles.

Instead, Phillip co-hosted with Rochelle Humes following three weeks off air while his brother stood trial.

After sending his love to Holly at the beginning of the show, Phillip added: “I’d just like to say, it is really lovely to be back. I have missed the show and everyone here and also to you.

“I wanted to say thank you for your kind messages and support which were really appreciated. Thank you very much indeed. On with the show… Shall we?”

The presenter, 61, took a break during the case, which saw Timothy convicted of 11 sexual offences involving a child over three years from October 2016, including two of sexual activity.

An ITV Insider told The Sun: “Both Phillip and ITV agreed the time was right for his return. 

“He is keen for normal life to return, and is very grateful for all the support from colleagues and friends behind the scenes.  

“Everyone at ITV wants him back on air.”

For the last fortnight, Holly and Phil’s stand-ins have included Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary then Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle.

However, Phillip has been off for longer, being absent from the show since March 23.

The source added: “He’s very sad Holly won’t be joining him for his return but is looking forward to being back alongside Rochelle.”

Holly wrote a message online, saying: “Hi… Just to let you know I may be away for the rest of the week as I have shingles.

“I’ll be back as soon as I’m better. Huge Love, Holly xxx.”

Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash and can appear anywhere on your body including the face and eyes.

Timothy Schofield, 54, was convicted of three counts of causing a child to watch sexual activity and three of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

The civilian police officer was also found guilty of three counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and two of sexual activity with a child.

Phillip said afterwards: “These are despicable crimes, and I welcome the guilty verdicts. As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother.”