Chris Tarrant unleashes brutal three-word jibe at Phillip Schofield after TV return

Edinburgh Live

17 hours ago

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Chris Tarrant has lashed out at Phillip Schofield, highlighting a "nasty little trick" employed by various television hosts. The ex-Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? presenter expressed disdain for Schofield's attempt to win back public affection following last year's notorious Castaway escapade, where he sequestered himself on an isolated island to rehabilitate his sullied reputation.
Tarrant was distinctly unimpressed with Schofield's actions post-scandal, following the revelation of an affair with a younger male colleague while still being a fixture on This Morning.
Voicing his displeasure, he commented: "There was not a hint of apology or even a, 'Maybe I got things wrong'. Christ Almighty, " he erupted. According to Tarrant, Schofield completely "lost the plot" after enjoying prolonged success, remarking: "He was the most over-exposed man on television - maybe only Terry Wogan came close. But Terry was on constantly because he was brilliant, funny, sharp as anything. I adored him."
In clear contrast, Tarrant is rather scornful when discussing Schofield's allure. Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: "'Safe pair of hands', they used to say. But honestly - did anyone ever rush home shouting, 'Quick, it's nearly eight o'clock, I must see the safe pair of hands!'? Dear oh dear," reports the Express.
(Image: Getty)
Tarrant didn't hold back in his critique of Schofield's previous TV ventures either, stating: "Dancing On Ice, The Cube, all of it - mostly c--p."
Tarrant, who kicked off his career on the airwaves, believes radio is filled with "much nicer people" compared to the television industry. "On television, you can get away with murder if you've got a smile and a nice suit for 13 weeks a year," he remarked.
"But some of them - and I do know a few - are all charm on-screen, then scream their heads off behind the scenes. It's a nasty little trick that only works for so long."
The veteran host, whose TV tenure spanned 52 years, is renowned for his stint on Tiswas from 1974 to 1981 and as the face of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? from 1998 to 2014.
(Image: ITV)
In recent years, particularly post-pandemic, Tarrant has been notably absent from regular television appearances.
In conversation with MailOnline, Tarrant reflected: "52 years is a long time on air. I loved what I did. I had a really good time.
"But I went to the funerals of five really good mates, who were about the same age as me, and I thought, 'I don't know how long I've got left in life, but I don't want to spend it locked away in a studio'."
He also shared with MailOnline that a mini-stroke in 2014 almost prompted him to quit TV, as it led to him requiring speech therapy.
Confiding in MailOnline, Tarrant disclosed: "I had a lucky escape. I can chat to you now, [my body] is working. But I did have to have speech therapy. It took a while to get everything back. It was scary."