HEARTBROKEN Phillip Schofield carried his mum Patricia’s casket at her funeral after the ‘toughest year’, ITV sacking and fallout with Holly Willoughby.
Last month Phillip, 62, revealed the devastating news that his mother had passed away aged 88.
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Yesterday Patricia’s friends and family gathered at St Michael’s church in Newquay, Cornwall, to attend her funeral.
Some of those in attendance were Phillip, his ex-wife Stephanie and their two daughters Ruby, 28, and Molly, 31.
A friend close to Phil told The Sun: “It has been a devastating few weeks for Phil but he has been buoyed by the support of his loving family.
“Phil absolutely adored his darling mum, who he was with until the end, and is so touched by all of the kind messages he has received from friends and from members of the public.”
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The former This Morning star put on a brave face as he carried his beloved mum’s casket into the church.
The songs that played out at the funeral were sung by the Cornish Kernow Men’s Choir.
Guests were reminded of Patricia as they sat in the church, surrounded by pictures of her.
Patrica passed away on October 15 2024.
Phillip took to Instagram to pay tribute to his mum.
He wrote: “Today, at 3pm and after a heartbreaking weekend, my magnificent mum decided it was time to go to her beloved [husband] Brian.
“Over three days, we held her, loved her, hugged her and said everything that needed to be said.
“She was calm, peaceful, beautiful and dignified.
“I’ll forever be proud and privileged she was my mum.
“I love you mum, forever.”
He thanked hospital medics at Treliske in Truro, Cornwall — but did not reveal the cause of Pat’s death, who had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Phillip said: “Our eternal thanks to the paramedics, Treliske ASE and Critical Care team who have been, in the past and this weekend, my mum’s and our angels.
“Your love and care has been our saviour.”
It’s been a tough year for Phillip after he left ITV back in May 2023 after his affair with a younger man was revealed.
The TV star has also had a very public feud with his former This Morning co-host Holly Willougby.
In his statement, he said he had decided to leave the ITV show after the programme itself “became the story,” following reports of a feud between the presenters.
The pair worked together on This Morning between 2009 and 2023.
A source told The Sun at the time that they would both continue to work together despite the apparent end of their close friendship, saying: “Holly and Phil are professionals and they can turn it on like no one else.
“Although behind the scenes their relationship is nothing like it was, they are both dedicated to This Morning and keeping it together for viewers.”
Phillip said: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning, but recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
“Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.
“I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
“So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future.
“I’d like to thank everyone what has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.”
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