Phillip Schofield enjoys sunshine in beer garden after returning to London for the first time in months

PHILLIP Schofield has been seen enjoying the sunshine in a pub garden after returning to London for the first time in months.

The former This Morning presenter, 61, was spotted deep in conversation with a pal as he enjoyed a burger and a drink at the Weir Bar in Brentford, West London, on Sunday.

He appeared at ease as he sat at a wooden picnic table dressed in a short-sleeved white shirt while having a drink.

Phillip has rarely been seen in public since admitting to an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a much younger male colleague in May earlier this year.

The former presenter is understood to have been spending much of his time in Newquay, Cornwall, with his 87-year-old mother Pat as she recuperates following a hospital stay.

However, as he considers what the future lies, he has been seen in the company of close friends. Just a few days ago he was seen for the first time in months as he reunited with former This Morning colleague Vanassa Feltz for dinner.

He appeared in high spirits as he and Vanessa, also 61, left restaurant Little Bird in Chiswick, West London.

The friends shared a hug and were snapped chatting animatedly before TalkTV host Vanessa got into a waiting car, while Phil left alone on foot.

Meanwhile, Phillip's friends say his career in TV is now over following his affair scandal.

A pal told MailOnline: "Phillip has been very, very down recently. He doesn't know how he is going to work again.

"He is pretty sure that he is done. He keeps saying he will never work again.

"It's devastating for him to realise but he also knows that there is not a lot he can do about it."

Phillip is also no longer in contact with his former co-presenter and best friend Holly Willoughby after he confessed to lying to her over the affair.

In exclusive and emotional interview with The Sun, he said: “I’ve lost my best friend. I let her down [Holly]. I let that entire show down. I let the viewers down.

“Holly did not know [about the romance]. And she was one of the first texts that I sent, to say, ‘I am so, so sorry that I lied to you’.

“She didn’t reply and I understand why she didn’t reply, as well. So yeah. If anyone is in any way linking Holly to this; that is ­absolutely, wholly untrue."

It comes as ITV chiefs are ready to offer Holly £1million a year to be This Morning’s jewel in the crown.

She makes her big return on September 4.

Holly, 42, reportedly on £700,000 a year, will be joined by a rotating cast of presenters Monday to Thursday.

ITV chiefs are ploughing in £250,000 to kickstart the relaunch, combining big-name guests with added glitz and giveaways.

Meanwhile several ITV employees have lodged complaints to Parliament over a toxic work environment.

Past and present staff also allege further bullying and discrimination took place after they raised their concerns with the broadcaster.

ITV has launched an external investigation into the Schofield scandal and the toxic working culture at This Morning.