Phillip Schofield was at his happiest as he became the centre of attention.
The former This Morning star made his return to TV screens on Channel 5's Cast Away – 16 months after he vowed to turn his back on telly. But the 62-year-old decided to appear on the show in order to share his side of the story after he stepped down from all presenting roles following an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a much younger male colleague.
Three years prior to his affair bombshell, Phillip came out as gay on Instagram and later shared his story with his former best friend, Holly Willoughby on the ITV show. However, he later admitted to lying to Willoughby, his family, friends and colleagues after denying the affair with the younger member of staff.
Despite coming out as gay and separating from his wife, Stephanie Lowe, Phillip and Stephanie appear to be the best of friends and their daughters Molly and Ruby have not shied away from supporting Schofield. During the new Channel 5 show, the family were seen sitting in the garden enjoying a summer BBQ before he headed off to an island close to Madagascar where he would be stranded for ten days and left to fend for himself.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, leading body language expert Judi James shared her views on Phillip's chat with his family. She said: "Telling the camera about his wife and daughters in his role as voice-over that 'none of them are happy with the limelight' he nevertheless shows a very long scene in the garden where they sit eating a BBQ he has prepared while also smiling fondly in his direction.
"It's Schofield's body language looking at its most relaxed and happy during this show here and he is clearly seen as the centre of attention and affection as he sits at the table." Judi added: "His wife and daughters laugh at his jokes and smile at him with expressions of nose-wrinkling indulgence and affection."
During the clip, Phillip repeated Holly's "Are you ok?" question as she spoke directly to This Morning viewers following the news about Phillip's affair and his decision to step down from the show. Judi added: "When he repeats Holly's famous 'Are you ok?' line around the table they all laugh playfully and Schofield is suddenly seen using body language he used to when he was on daytime TV, with his face crumpling and creasing in helpless laughter as his chin pulls into his neck.
"He seems to refer to his family home as a retreat and safe place and that is reflected in his body language when he sits eating with them here." During the BBQ scene, Phillip's daughter, Molly, addressed his affair and his subsequent downfall. She told the camera: "When my dad came out it was very hard for me. It was very hard for the entire family. Mainly my mum, of course - everything was turned upside down. But we talked through it and [over time] it's got easier." She added: "My mum and my sister, we're all the same. We'll always continue to support him, no matter what. I never thought it would have gone the way it has."
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