Phillip Schofield announced the heartbreaking news his beloved mum Pat Schofield sadly died today aged 88 after helping her son through his “darkest moments” when he stepped down from ITV. Taking to his Instagram stories the former This Morning presenter penned a heartfelt tribute.
He began: “Today, at 3pm and after a heartbreaking weekend my magnificent mum decided it was time to go to her beloved 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 will forever be proud and privileged that she was my mum.”
Phillip accompanied the post with a sweet photo alongside Pat with his arm wrapped over her shoulder.
He added: “I love you mum, forever [heartbreak emoji].”
The presenter went on to thank the NHS, writing: “Our eternal thanks to the paramedics, Treliske A&E 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.”
Phillip shared a series of photos of his beloved mum Pat throughout special moments they shared together.
She was seen on holiday, enjoying a show at The Royal Albert Hall, posing against a sunrise and strapped to a plane for a wing-walking experience.
The news comes after the former TV star’s mother was hospitalised last year after she fell seriously ill.
In the wake of his departure from This Morning, Phillip returned to his mother’s Cornwall home to care for her in June and held a vigil by her bedside.
Phillip had escaped London during the height of public scrutiny over his affair admission, as he travelled to Newquay, Cornwall to spend time with Pat back in May.
The pair were spotted walking together down a coastal path at the time.
In pictures, an emotional Phil appeared to open up to his mum as she ambled alongside him with her walking frame.
The ITV star, who was married to wife Stephanie Lowe at the time of the affair, branded the relationship with the male colleague “unwise but not illegal”.
Prior to Phillip quitting ITV, his mother Pat had endured the pain of his brother Timothy Schofield, 54, being jailed for child sex offences in May.