Phillip Schofield Relationship With Matthew McGreevy: Full Timeline, Facts, and ITV Review Explained
The topic of the Phillip Schofield relationship with Matthew McGreevy became one of the biggest media stories in the UK in 2023. What began as rumours surrounding the long-time This Morning presenter ultimately led to public admissions, resignations, and an independent external review commissioned by ITV. This article provides a detailed, balanced, and fact-based overview of the situation — including what has been confirmed, what was investigated, and how the controversy unfolded.
Who Is Phillip Schofield?
Phillip Schofield is a veteran British television presenter who built a decades-long career in UK broadcasting. He was best known for co-hosting ITV’s daytime programme This Morning, alongside Holly Willoughby, and for presenting major entertainment shows such as Dancing on Ice.
In February 2020, Schofield publicly came out as gay during an emotional episode of This Morning. At the time, he was married to his wife of many years, Stephanie Lowe, with whom he shares two daughters. He stated that he was coming to terms with his sexuality later in life.
Who Is Matthew McGreevy?
Matthew McGreevy worked as a runner and later in a more senior production capacity on This Morning. He was significantly younger than Schofield and was part of the ITV production team.
While ITV’s official documents and independent review refer to the individual involved as “Person X” or “PX,” multiple mainstream UK media outlets identified Matthew McGreevy as the colleague at the centre of the story. ITV’s published review did not publicly name him, but reporting across major publications connected his identity to the case.
How Did the Phillip Schofield Relationship With Matthew McGreevy Come to Light?
Early Rumours (2019–2020)
Rumours about a relationship between Phillip Schofield and a younger male colleague began circulating publicly in late 2019. These rumours gained traction online and within media circles.
ITV has stated that it investigated the rumours at the time. According to reporting and ITV’s later independent review, both Schofield and the colleague denied the existence of a relationship when questioned. As a result, ITV said it found no evidence to substantiate the claims at that time.
Phillip Schofield’s Public Admission (May 2023)
In May 2023, Phillip Schofield released a public statement admitting that he had had a relationship with a younger male colleague on This Morning. He described the relationship as:
- “Unwise, but not illegal”
- A consensual affair
- Something he deeply regretted
He also acknowledged that he had previously lied about the relationship when asked by ITV and others.
Shortly after his admission:
- Schofield resigned from ITV.
- He stepped down as host of This Morning.
- He left other ITV commitments.
- He parted ways with his talent agency.
The admission marked a dramatic turning point in the story, shifting it from rumour to confirmed fact.
ITV’s Independent External Review
Following the controversy, ITV commissioned an independent review led by Jane Mulcahy KC to examine:
- Whether ITV had adequately investigated the rumours.
- Whether ITV management had ignored or covered up concerns.
- The broadcaster’s broader workplace culture and complaint-handling procedures.
Key Findings of the Review
The review concluded:
- ITV had made reasonable efforts to investigate rumours when they first emerged.
- Both parties had denied the relationship when questioned.
- There was no evidence that ITV knowingly covered up the affair.
- No evidence of criminal conduct was uncovered during the review.
However, the review also acknowledged the significant power imbalance between a senior presenter and a junior staff member. While it did not find evidence of grooming or unlawful activity, it highlighted concerns about workplace dynamics and the potential difficulty junior staff might face in speaking up.
ITV later stated it would review and strengthen its internal processes for handling concerns and complaints.
The Power Imbalance Discussion
One of the central issues in the Phillip Schofield relationship with Matthew McGreevy story was the question of power imbalance.
Schofield was one of ITV’s highest-profile presenters, with substantial influence within the This Morning environment. McGreevy was a much younger employee in a junior role when they first worked together.
Even when relationships are consensual, many media commentators and workplace experts pointed out that relationships involving significant seniority differences can raise ethical concerns. These concerns typically focus on:
- The potential for perceived pressure
- Career influence
- Workplace fairness
- Reputational risk to organisations
The ITV review acknowledged this dynamic without finding coercion or illegality.
Was the Relationship Illegal?
A key question often searched alongside the keyword Phillip Schofield relationship with Matthew McGreevy is whether the relationship was illegal.
According to publicly available reporting and the independent review:
- The relationship was described as consensual.
- There was no finding of criminal conduct.
- Schofield stated it was “not illegal.”
However, public debate continued over when the two individuals first met and whether there had been any inappropriate conduct before adulthood. Some media outlets reported that they had first met when McGreevy was younger, but the review found no criminal findings.
It is important to distinguish between:
- Confirmed admissions of a relationship
- Allegations reported in the media
- Findings from official investigations
The independent review did not conclude that any laws had been broken.
Impact on Phillip Schofield’s Career
The fallout from the relationship was significant.
Immediate Consequences
- Departure from This Morning
- Resignation from ITV
- Loss of presenting roles
- Agency separation
- Public criticism from colleagues
Holly Willoughby later stated publicly that she had been misled about the situation, which added further attention to the controversy.
Long-Term Career Effects
Schofield later appeared in a 2024 television programme where he addressed the scandal and expressed regret. However, his mainstream broadcasting presence has been significantly reduced compared to his previous standing as a leading ITV presenter.
The controversy marked one of the most dramatic career declines in modern British television history.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
The story received extensive coverage across UK media outlets, including:
- The Guardian
- BBC News
- The Independent
- Sky News
- ITV News
Public reaction was mixed. Some expressed sympathy for Schofield, particularly regarding the pressures of coming out later in life. Others focused on the ethical concerns related to workplace power imbalance and honesty.
Social media debate intensified the story, with speculation spreading rapidly before official statements were released.
ITV’s Workplace Culture Questions
Beyond the personal relationship itself, the controversy raised broader questions about workplace culture at This Morning and ITV more generally.
Issues discussed included:
- Whether junior staff felt safe raising concerns
- Whether management had sufficient oversight
- How broadcasters should handle relationships between staff
ITV stated it was committed to improving internal systems and ensuring employees could raise concerns confidentially.
Timeline of Events
2019:
Rumours of a relationship begin circulating publicly.
Early 2020:
ITV investigates rumours; both parties deny the relationship.
February 2020:
Schofield publicly comes out as gay.
May 2023:
Schofield admits to a relationship with a younger male colleague.
He resigned from ITV shortly afterward.
Late 2023:
ITV publishes findings of the independent review.
2024:
Schofield addresses the scandal in a televised return appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Did Phillip Schofield confirm a relationship with Matthew McGreevy?
Phillip Schofield confirmed a relationship with a younger male colleague on This Morning. While ITV’s official review anonymised the individual, multiple mainstream media reports identified Matthew McGreevy as the colleague involved.
Was Phillip Schofield charged with any crime?
No criminal charges were brought. The independent review did not find evidence of illegal conduct.
Why did Phillip Schofield leave ITV?
He resigned following his admission that he had lied about the relationship and engaged in an affair with a junior colleague.
Did ITV cover up the relationship?
The independent review concluded there was no evidence ITV knowingly covered up the relationship, though it acknowledged earlier denials by those involved prevented full discovery at the time.
What was the main issue surrounding the relationship?
The primary concerns centred on workplace ethics, honesty, and the power imbalance between a senior presenter and a junior employee.
Conclusion
The Phillip Schofield relationship with Matthew McGreevy became one of the most high-profile broadcasting controversies in recent UK television history. While the relationship was described as consensual and not illegal, the surrounding issues — particularly dishonesty and workplace power imbalance — led to significant professional consequences.
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