Phillip Schofield reveals truth behind 'dinner discussing TV comeback' with Declan Donnelly

Earlier this year, Phillip Schofield appeared in high spirits following a dinner with his pal Declan Donnelly and his wife Ali Astall.

At the time, back in May, it was claimed that the shamed star, 62, had a lengthy dinner with the TV presenter to discuss a comeback as he was forced to resign from his hosting role on This Morning, alongside Holly Willoughby. But fast-forward five months and Phillip has now dismissed reports, claiming it was simply a catch-up with an old friend and his wife.

During a confessional on his Channel 5 TV show Castaway, Phillip said: "Dec Donnelly and I went to the restaurant and I got Alfie [his dog] with me and the pap followed me to the restaurant. They said it was a four hour dinner discussing my TV comeback. We were in there for an hour and a half max. They've got the kids at home to get back to and get to bed. I've got Alfie under the table, so it was an hour and a half max in there, but it was a four hour planning my TV comeback. All utter b****s. It’s beginning to sink in that I’m going back to all of that."

At the time, pictures emerged of Phillip in a fit of giggles as he walked away from the restaurant, looking as though he was finally getting his life back together, after his shock departure from ITV. The presenter, who was one of the nation's favourites just before he was forced to resign, admitted he had lied about his relationship with a much younger colleague. And it was also claimed that his once close bond with his co-star Holly Willoughby had started to crumble around him.

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Those close to the presenter told The Sun that Phillip was being told by those in the industry they were trying to carve out his comeback, but he wasn't convinced he was ready. The source claimed that he was being supported by his pals including Alison Hammond and Ant and Dec.

The source told the publication: "They have all been rallying around him and their support, especially from Dec who is such a good friend, has really helped Phil. Some TV executives have been in touch with Phil about a possible return and his friends have told him he should consider it."

They added: "Phil is still shell shocked by everything that happened last year and is happy at the moment to focus on rebuilding his life with the support of his friends and family. Whether he will make a comeback — whether it's on TV or radio — is still undecided but the offers are there if he wants to pursue them. His friends have told him they will support him all the way." Phillip's dinner with Dec was the first time they had been seen out in public together since his unceremonious exit from This Morning.

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