Phillip Scholfield

[Samuraisan]

I find it it amazing this chap is making so many headlines. So what if he loses his job ? I have never seen his show, I have only seen him on some ads. But honestly, who cares really ? Or about his co-host Holly Whatnot.

[Gill1941]

I certainly don't.

[Peter Pedant]

I thought it was a light news week

[lankeela]

Totally agree. He fell flat on his face when he 'came out' as gay and nobody cared. He must have a very high opinion of himself and how people view him. What has he ever done other than front some second rate tv shows. Sooner we hear no more of him the better whether he is gay, straight, a pedo or anything else because I certainly don't care.

[Atheist]

lankeela; I bet you're the only one here who doesn't care if someone is a pedo!
lol

[barry1010]

As a paedophile is somebody sexually attracted to pre-pubescent children is it right to label Schofield that way?
A ephebophile is an adult attracted to post-pubescent children, generally over 13/14.

[-SharonA-]

Driving me mad. He seems to headline every news!!! And why!!!!??
He's a nobody.

[lankeela]

I didn't label him or say he was, I said I wouldn't care if he was. What he says or does makes no difference to me because I have no interest in his public persona or his private life. But then I still like Gary Glitter and Michael Jackson's music.

[gingejbee]

It's quite simple...there's lots of attention because he presented for many years one of ITV's big earning (from ad revenue) and most popular shows. Lots of people are interested in the ongoing "fall-out" even if a few on here are not.

[andres]

What has he done that's so wrong. Lots of couples have big age gaps. The main thing would probably be having an affair with a works colleague. Naturally you would want to keep that secret.
Another case of 'kicking a man when he's down'.

[Hopkirk]

The young lad was 15 and wanted to get into the TV industry. PS helped and went on to have a relationship. Was PS abusing his position, or grooming?

[andy-hughes]

andres - // What has he done that's so wrong. Lots of couples have big age gaps. The main thing would probably be having an affair with a works colleague. Naturally you would want to keep that secret.
Another case of 'kicking a man when he's down'. //

There is nothing wrong with a workplace relationship.

The issue arises with the possibility that Mr Scofield used his influence to obtain a job for his secret partner, which clearly breaches his contract.

The further issues are the perception of Mr Scofield in his public persona as a presenter - that of being a family man, and close friend of his fellow presenter Ms Willoughby.

It is now alleged that he lied to both his family and Ms Willougby about his relationship with a man - which is really a private matter, except when you live in the celebrity goldfish bowl as they do.

There are further allegations that, when questioned about the situation, Mr Scofield allegedly lied to his employers, and that issue is under investigation.

The media storm is created by the twin dream scenarios for the media - a high profile celebrity brought down by admittedly foolish behaviour, and the whiff of legal scandal that is yet to play out.

The huge audience levels for This Morning ensure that, for the tabloids, this is a big story that has a long way to go.

You, and others, may be utterly indifferent to the story, its outcome, or the participants, but there are millions of people following this in every detail.

[andres]

AH---I did not say ^^^^that I was indifferent to this story. It should have been kept private and not plastered all over the Media.

[andy-hughes]

andres - // AH---I did not say ^^^^that I was indifferent to this story. It should have been kept private and not plastered all over the Media. //

My apologies if I misinterpreted your level of personal interest.

I understand your view that the matter should be private, but sadly, the culture we live in gives millions of people a prurient fascination with the private lives of famous people, and we have the media we want, and deserve.

The two have come together, as they always have and always will.

[barry1010]

Lankeela, apologies, I should have made it clear that I was responding to Atheist 's post

[naomi24]

I’ve never watched the show. I’ve only read that he denied having a secret much younger lover and I would say his personal life is his own. If he’s broken the terms of his contract in any way then he must face the consequences. He’s not a paedophile and that shouldn’t be suggested but he has had a highly successful career and this is a very sorry end to it. He must be utterly devastated.

[roopower]

It's the old British thing of being there at the hanging someone who's been doing well and revelling in their downfall. The media can't wait to get their knitting out.

[naomi24]

Neither, it seems, can many of the public, roopower.

[andy-hughes]

roopower - //
It's the old British thing of being there at the hanging someone who's been doing well and revelling in their downfall. The media can't wait to get their knitting out. //

The media and the public - each gets what they need from the other.

[lankeela]

I think he lost any support he may have had when he admitted being a liar. But again I say, who cares? He must think he is something special and that people are interested in him - well other than the ghouls I doubt many really care.

[andy-hughes]

lankeela - // But again I say, who cares? He must think he is something special and that people are interested in him - well other than the ghouls I doubt many really care. //

That is entirely the point - millions of people do care, and very much, about what is going on.

There is an argument that in the scheme of things, this is showbusiness piffle, but that does not stop millions of people being actively and fervently keen to know what will happen next.